Can you tell me what's the Olympic spirit in your opinion?
By youless
@youless (112586)
Guangzhou, China
August 19, 2008 9:52am CST
I like the song We Are The Champion. I think we should not pay much more attention to whether the athlete wins a medal or not. The most importance is the athlete already tries his/her best and he/she is already the champion. The real loser is the one who takes drugs to have a good achievement. Besides it, nobody is a loser. I enjoy watching the Olympic "Games".
3 people like this
12 responses
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
19 Aug 08
I just did a discussion on the same subject. Before the 2008, Olympics meant unity, healthy competition, and sportsmanship. Now, the Olympics sentiment has been overshadowed by deciet, fraud, hatefulness, cheating, and disregard. I am not one to throw insults for no reason. If you look back at the beginning of the 2008 games, it began with a lie. Overlooking the talent of a 4 year old little girl because she's not cute enough. Come on! What else could you take away from that except the fact that they would do anything to make themselves win or look the best. Look at the judging issue with women's gymnastics. One of the chinese that received a medal fell, Alicia Sacramone didnt and didnt get jack. Then the Lustin girl receive the same score as a men's gold medal winner and instead they used ridiculous tye breakers. They made those choices. the competitors had no knowledge or say in any part of the decision. Why would there be any of the feelings from previous games. Its a travesty that one country can change an entire outlook on something that the athletes of the entire world work so hard and yet have been so disrespected. Sorry but right now the Olympics spirit is not in high regards. I feel for the athletes that dedicated their lifes to this one moment in time and have been subjected to this. dl
1 person likes this
@youless (112586)
• Guangzhou, China
20 Aug 08
Frankly, I don't really understand some of your words. As to some games that judge by human beings, it's hard to be completely fair. Because it's not judged by machine, like the sports as swimming and running. Besides, I am only an audience.
When games judge by the judges, as an audience, my opinion isn't professional. If you say it's unfair, this not only happened now, but also in the past. Please look at the diving competition in 1988 when Gregory Efthimios Louganis VS Xiong Ni. As an audience, I don't think it's the right result.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
21 Aug 08
I am sorry that you didnt understand my response in full. I just think that these games have been ruined by negative publicity. The Olympic Games are supposed to be where the nation comes together to showcase their best natural talents. Its not about hate, war, intimidation, fraud, cheating, violence, or conceit. Not one day has passed without something negative happening or being implied. Enough already! The world has enough problems without having to worry about a country trying to overshadow its duty as host city. It's not about race, religion, gender, or most importantly my friend nationality. I have started a few discussions in the past week regarding this subject. So I know that I am not the only one who feels this way. I think that CHina lost sight of its responsibilities as the host city. There are always judging questions or protests. Its just not in practically every event where the same country always wins. How fair is that? I am a person first then I represent my country. I am not saying that it has to do with the people of China because I am aware of their govermental policies. I do believe that the ruling body could have done more to show that they wanted to have an honest set of games. Instead we have lip syncing, hurting two little girls, manyquestions around the judging and whether or not they may have been intimidated. I am sorry my friend. I dont think I should be chastized because of my opinion. My opinion is based on reports from China. I am all set with 2008 games. Thanks dl
@tigerdragon (4297)
• Philippines
19 Aug 08
there was this guy who ran the marathon in the olympics , i forgot where. while running he stumbled and fell on the pavement really hard , got bruise on his knee to the point of not walking but even though, he strived to walk and finish the race. it was after two hours before he reached the stadium . a lot of people are already gone except for a few who waited for him. as he entered the stadium, the crowd cheered for him , he went around the 400 meter oval and crossed the finished line. a reporter asked him why didin't he just dropped because of his condition, he answered " my country didn't send me to the olympics to quit, my country sent me to finish what i have to do"
@hiddenwing (3719)
• China
20 Aug 08
Oh, it is moving. I learn a lesson here.
He set a good example for me!
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
23 Aug 08
To me, the Olympic spirit is doing your best in your sport. To show up and represent your country the best you can.To have fun and to make friends from all over the world. Medals are secondary. They are good but they aren't essential.As long as you give it your all in your sport is what is important.
1 person likes this
@sweetie1026 (1718)
• Philippines
20 Aug 08
I think it is the gathering of these different athletes from different countries all over the world for one goal. To play the games and be united even just for 17 days. Setting aside all differences and just enjoy the camaraderie and the friendly atmosphere of the games.Sports is a great way of promoting brotherhood among people. Different people with different ideas, beliefs, and language gathering together, having healthy competitions, enjoying each other, and even developing new friendships among themselves. I am sure everyone who got involved in the games will surely miss the friends they have made in the whole Olympic season. Yes, enjoy the games.
@Englishprince (38)
• China
20 Aug 08
Yeah,this big event is held by my homeland,I am so deeply proud of being a chinese person.Since the start of the opening ceremony,beijing has made differences for billions of people.Speaking to the athletes,nobody will be destined to be a loser.Olympic spirit advocates participation means victory.No matter where you're from,our purpose is competing for this game together.We belong to the one big world.With the help of the Olmypic games,we could get together without conflicts,wars or else. Thanks for the games
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
19 Aug 08
I agree. I worry about some these younger athletes and how much pressure is placed on them. It kind of scares me. I noticed that many of the gymnasts made mistakes they did not usually make and I think it was the nerves and pressure. I remember one year seeing a skater who was new to the Olympics and nobody thought would win. She kind of relaxed and decided she was just going to have fun. Well she did beautifully and ended up winning the gold. That just goes to show what nerves and pressure can do to a performance.
@saivenkaat802003 (4823)
• India
20 Aug 08
Well said Youless.. the Sportsman may win or lose, but the Ultimate Winner must be the Sport.. It is very must that the events must be competed in the true spirits of sports..
I remember one incident..in a 100 meter dash in 1992 Barcelona Olympics.. the US sprinter Gail Devers falling in the last hurdle.. Naturally she finished Fifth, But including the winner of the race.. and every one in the stadium felt for her fall..that's the true spirit of the Olympics or any other game..
Take care friend.
1 person likes this
@hiddenwing (3719)
• China
20 Aug 08
Nobody is a loser, good point!
One minute on the stage, requires ten years of hardworking.
They are awesome!
Let's have a good round of applause for the atheletes!
@cjgrooms (4456)
• United States
20 Aug 08
The Olympic spirit is an even and fair playing field where each athlete does his or her best with no cheating and good sportsmanship -win or lose- because if you have a bad attitude you have lost the spirit of the competition even if you get the Gold.
1 person likes this
@intimate36 (1415)
• Pakistan
20 Aug 08
We all know , in any event ,there are three sports persons, who get medals...Not everyone , who participates , is going to win..
So , I agree , with you ,The real winners are those who take part , with a healthy ambition....
