What does the Olympic games mean to you?
By dloveli
@dloveli (4366)
United States
August 15, 2008 6:56am CST
There has been so much publicity, positive and negative, towards the 2008 Olympics. I cant believe how countries behave regarding their athletes. I always thought that for a few weeks every four years, countries would put all bad feelings, hostilities, and resentments away to showcase the natural talents of their proud citizens that had been chosen to represent them. I actually looked forward to see other countries compete and cheer for my country in hopes that they may bring home a medal. I would cry when they didnt succeed. I felt as if I was there and it meant as much to me as it did to them. I have seen so many unforgettable moments created over the years. I enjoyed watching the excitement on the small countries who were said to be the underdog. For a few weeks every four years the world came together. To me thats amazing. Presidents and the United Nations have been trying to do this on a daily basis and here every four years it is done without compromise. What happened this time? I think that this olympics is great as far as the competitors are concerned. As for peace, NOT! War was breaking out as we watched the games. I just thought that countries would want that pride of being a part of a world wide peace treaty for a few weeks. Now aday nothing is sacred anymore. What does the Olympics mean to you?
4 people like this
17 responses
@Elixiress (3878)
•
15 Aug 08
They are just a sporting event to me, no other meanings really. I watch a few events, but I am not addicted to it. I particularly love the fast races like the sprints in both running and swimming.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
15 Aug 08
I used to love gymnastics. With all the hype about the US swimmer, Michael Phelps, I thought it would be fun to see if he could win all 8 gold medals and beat the earlier record set by Mark Spitz. Now with all the horrible things that have been done by the Host country, I havent really felt like watching it. Its sad really. All the time and effort these athletes have put forth and now to be overshadowed by China's stupidity is a shame. Thanks dl
@Elixiress (3878)
•
16 Aug 08
I don't think that the athletes will really care, as they are still getting the medals and it is still an Olympics medal.
@kwenge (2487)
• Kenya
15 Aug 08
Hey my friend DL, I feel what you are feeling. Am a patriot and I support my country. Kenya performs well in olympics but am not sure about this season. We excel alot in long distance running and other parts of athletics. I make sure follow whats going on at the olympics through tv and other online media. The olympics bring countries together hence peace in the world but this particular one is not. There is something wrong about it but i really dont know which is it. People used to get psyched up for the olympics but this one started off badly from the Torch being refused to enter other countries. I think thats where the problem began.
@jhartana (1084)
• Australia
16 Aug 08
Olympic is nothing more than sporting event and it means nothing to me. No I did not disrespect the olympic however I am not interested in sports except the opening and closing may interests me. I watched the opening ceremony of Beijing olympic and all I can say is awesome but the rest like the sporting events...nah I did not bother watching them. I know how hard the olympians have been trained and painfully selected, I only wishing all the best for all athletes who compete in this olympic. Good luck for those who receives medals, it's the best moment for the athletes to be remembered and recognised for their countries.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
16 Aug 08
Even though you dont watch it, your heart is with them. That's all it takes. I dont mean to sound preachy but nothing has any meaning anymore. I am a parent and I find it so difficult to teach my children that the Olympics is much more than sports. Its the fact that nations from all over the world put their feelings aside for a common goal. As soon as the Olympics began, the negative publicity and wrong doings of the host country came to light. What were they thinking? I just think that if we dont maintain certain traditions, our children were learn from things going on today and not follow history. I just think there should be some meaning to all these athletes coming together to showcase their natural talents. I dont know maybe its too late. thanks anyways dl
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
16 Aug 08
I, too, share the same feelings. however, I am a parent. it is my duty to make sure that my children are well educated in history, past, and present. With so much hatred being publicized on a daily basis, I was hoping that these games could be a positive activity that could spark a dialogue where she may actually see how nations can come together for a common cause. "thanx D.L"
@hiddenwing (3719)
• China
16 Aug 08
I am sorry to hear the negative comment on China. They misunderstand China a lot. I am puzzled. I don't know why they hate China. How to give a reasonable explanation. Who ruined Chinese reputation? Who distort Chinese motives?
There is a long way to go. At least, Chinese should set an good example by their own actions aborad. Let the world know what most Chinese really are. Be kind, be friendly, be nice!
Oneday, the world will really know Chinese by their sincerity and good faith, I hope.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
16 Aug 08
I honestly think that China as a whole shouldnt be hated for any of its actions. However, certain people were put in charge of the Olympic games and more so the opening ceremonies. Knowing that the Olympics is a big deal, they put a two beautiful little innocent girls in a really bad spot. Afterwards, felt no remorse and told reporters that the little girl who sung the song just wasnt cute enough. Too me that appauling. Then there's the fact that some of the gymnasts are known to be 14 years old. However their birth certificates have been changed and the families are saying that they're older as well. China put itself in this position. We must remember that its not the people of China. Its the government or ruling body. thanks dl
@jaffna (778)
• India
16 Aug 08
it means to unite the world....apart from winning th prestigious medals..its a season of cheering our nations and bringing our more passionate feelings for our players on the run...it's a different kinda feelings...not an usual one but still extra-ordinary..the olympics have brought out the talents of many nations...
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
16 Aug 08
Up until now that's exactly what I thought it mean too. With all the deceit that has been done in the opening ceremonies alone its difficult to feel that way this time. I am glad that someone remembers the true meaning of the Olympics. When I was trying to talk about the goings on in China, my daughter seemed to think it was based on looks and status more than everything. I then was forced to explain the wrongdoings and that its not usually about that. I hope its back to normal in 4 years. thanks dl
@debjit (339)
• India
15 Aug 08
Being an Indian, Olympics is nothing but lossing hopes to me.
I don't undestand what goes wrong with India everytime in Olympics. We have to come back home empty handed or with one or two medals in pocket. This year, Abhinav has got a gold medal in 100 mt shooting. But nothing else.
It is not true that we are not so good in sports. It is the infrustucture which draws us behind. If we can improve this section, we will produce more champions, I think.
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
16 Aug 08
The Olympics are about global unity; in the US we are poor in geography generally so we learn a bit. It's also about being inspired by super-human almost and very dedicated to being the best. We all have something we can be best at and I'd hope that we can all learn from them to strive to the best in what we do.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
16 Aug 08
That's the values the Olympics has represented up until now. I have read enough responses to see that people have come to the point where they could careless either way. If they never saw and Olympic competition again it would be too soon. I think that the host country had an obligation to represent the Olympics has a whole. Instead they focused on the cosmetic aspect. The Olympic games are one of the few events that are judged on who looks better or who is wearing what. The Chinese government made a mockery of this. They did what was best for them. They didnt think of the other people taking part in the Olympics. I only hope we havent lost all interest. Maybe people will have a change of heart. I can dream cant I? Thanks for your beautiful description. This is what I believe the Olympics represent as well. dl
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
16 Aug 08
That's exactly how I feel. I couldn't have said it better myself. There's nothing to look forward to. For example, Michael Phelps is a US swimmer. He is trying to beat the record of 7 gold medals in one Olympics by Mark Spitz. Its almost no surprise that he is succeeding. There's no hope in me anymore as far as the Olympics are concerned. i feel terrible about my views. However as i read the news every day, the negativity reinforces my feelings. thanks DL
@ronreyes (4724)
• Philippines
16 Aug 08
Sad to say that it doesn't mean anything to me. I'm not even interested in watching the olympics updates on television. I guess I'm not really a sports-minded person. All I know is playing billiards. Laughs.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
16 Aug 08
Its sad because its not something that interest you and you probably wont pass on memories to children or friends. I dont necessarily like sports either. I try to share a little history with my daughter about current events and my feelings on them when I was younger. I remember being at school when the winter games were in Lake Placid, New York. My homeroom teacher had a friend who was competing. Those are the memories that I like to share. We even set up a tv night where we would watch some of it to see how she liked it. Everytime the reporters came on they were talking about the wrong doings and violence. My daughter said "Mom please dont be mad but I dont want to watch this. If I wanted to see lies and deceit I can turn on daily news." I felt so bad. She is right. Maybe we could make our own games with billiards being one of the events. lol. I bet you more people would be interested in ours than the real one. dl
@joyadalia (1408)
• Philippines
15 Aug 08
It still means friendships and sportsmanship. Look at the countries at war. On the field their soldiers are killing each but the shake hands in the games as the Olympic games progress. That's a good sign of being a good sportsman: forgetting personal wars.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
15 Aug 08
That's what I thought it meant too. I am beginning to wonder though. What the host country has done regarding the opening ceremonies, the innuendos about their gymnast, etc., has put those thoughts in the back. As I have found from reading the responses to this discussion, people think that the Olympics are an exaggerated cheating fest. This is a perfect example of how dishonesty affects everyone in some way or another. thanks dl
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
15 Aug 08
I dont hate you friend! I admire your honesty. Too bad that the host country among others couldnt take an example from you. It seems that countries have become obsessed with winning that it doesnt matter what the athletes have to do to win. Sad....... thanks for responding dl
@chidorijade (13)
• Philippines
15 Aug 08
wow, olympics? well, it is a great time for everybody, especially those who got their tickets for free and actually be there and see the olympics itself first hand. though, political issue and personal agenda of people would always be a part of it. olympics will always be there for mankind, i believe the question is, would mankind be there for olympics? (dont take this literally, eh?)
@srainow (87)
• China
15 Aug 08
I like this topic because the Olympic is being hold on my mother land. As far, Chinese deligation has won more than 20 gold medals, but that's not my point. You know what? China is a country who loves peace very much, people in china hate wars because it is only 60 years since we broke out from the wars. So we are holding the Olympic for the name of peace, and we hope all wars stop, and the populations from every countries can lead their happy lives. It really tought me when I heared that the athletes from Irag were dressed in the old clothes just because they can afford the new clothes. How sad thing it is!!! It is war which made us lose our family, frinds, food, clothes, but fortunately, Irag attends the Olympic, they are so eager to get a peace life, I respect them. Hope everybody can stand up supporting them and fighting for peace!!
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
15 Aug 08
It's true. Some of the countries dont have the luxury of sponsors. TO them getting there and competing was the most important. I think that its shameful that the Olympic Committee didnt help them. I am sorry for the bad press that CHina is getting for the games. I was mad at first. Then I realized that the games have become so commercialized. People dont care about others anymore. I think that competition is supposed to be healthy. Why is it that the countries with the most money and pull arent setting a goodwill example? Believe me when I tell you I mean the US (my country) most of all. Thanks friend. dl
@fwangaa (3057)
• China
15 Aug 08
it doesn't mean to me. because i am not intersting in it. it will improve the position of china.and the china will be more appreciated by the world. and it also can bring many foreigners travel to china. so it can bring me a lot of money by the foreigners. and i also can see the foreiners who are like? i seldom to look the foreigners in china. i have a new msn with little friend in it ,fwanga@hotmail.com , do you have ones? would you add me as your friend? thank you alot! i think we will became good friend.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
15 Aug 08
If China had people like you representing them, Its position would improve greatly! I am adding you to my friends as we speak. I hope to hear from you! I dont like the sports that much. I am rooting for my country and other countries. I cant help it. I think everyone should go home with something other than a bad taste in their mouth from not winning. See you soon friend! dl
@inutme (372)
• Philippines
15 Aug 08
Ages ago, Olympics used to be the time when people from all over the world would meet up for some friendly competition. Then, it became just plainly competition. Then finally, it became a time to showcase what the host country has or pretend it has to impress the world, and a time for fierce competition (at times, for whatever cost) among nations. It's the sad truth.
Of course, I would want the team from my country to win as well. But to win it fairly and not because anybody cheated.
So yes, the olympics have come a looong way. And through the years, it has developed to become something great yet something bad at the same time. Just my 2cents.
