OLYMPIC GOLD INSPIRATION

Posted by Leona Bergstrom

My last post bemoaned the fact that I had become rather sedentary during the 15 days of the Olympics. While my muscles probably did in fact, atrophy, I don’t want to neglect mentioning a few of the amazing things I observed and felt while watching the 2010 Olympics.

   1. Young athletes are incredible. Watching their dedication to sport, competition and athletic accomplishment was no less than inspirational and motivating.
   2. Snow sports are beautiful. We lived in a ski town for awhile so I have a particular affinity for what it means to participate in winter sports. The Olympics reminded me of great days of playing in the snow, skiing and watching our kids compete in junior slalom races.
   3. I observed intergenerational mentoring at its best. Frank Carroll, age 71, has been an ice skating coach for 45 years. This year his skater, Evan Lysacek, won the gold medal in men’s figure skating. The stark contrast of a white-haired man issuing firm instruction and encouragement into the face of a tall, young, dark-haired athlete, was profound. Frank Carroll modeled what it means to still be in the game, but understanding the ice is for the young, and legacy giving is in the hands of the old.
   4. And lastly, my husband and I enjoyed many hours of being together watching the Olympics. That in itself was a gift.

I can’t wait until 2014 and the winter Olympics in Russia. I’ll try to be in shape by then.