Olympic Moments: Tears with Abundant Meaning
As the 2024 Paris Olympics come to an end, lots of commentators and non-commentators alike are asking: What was the most memorable moment? With all that occurred across over 300 medal events, it is hard to pick one “magical” moment. Of course, one’s answer depends on how each of us defines “memorable” or “magical.” What is the height of greatness might be very different among people.
Tears
For me, what is most memorable this Olympic season was the tears — tears of sadness, tears of joy and tears of relief, tears of freedom. Each and all.
Let me be more specific, with some personal anchoring.
I have always been taken by the Olympics, moved by the success of the athletes and for some, just being able to compete was total success. For certain athletes, the road to Paris was filled with hurdles (haha) — injuries, loss, mental blocks and psychological unwellness. For some from war-torn nations, just being in Paris, representing their nation, was remarkable as they trained in far from ideal locations and circumstances. Carrying their nation’s flag was deeply moving.
I have watched these Olympics as I was recovering from a surgical wound that stubbornly refused to heal fast. Between doing art, reading books and watching athletes, I had plenty of mental space to think about and wrestle with and experience feelings surrounding a wide range of issues. I had time to ponder the mind-body connection. I had time to think about how surgical wounds reactivate earlier psychological wounds. I had time to ponder what constitutes personal, student, societal and political success. I had time to reflect on the capacity I need and others have to ask for help. I had time to enjoy and savor the Olympics and ponder all the help these Olympic athletes need (ed)— and the myriad of ways they thank their support teams… over and over and over again.
Abundant reflection.
So, in addition to the fictional characters in the amazing books I read (try The Red Tent by Anita Diamant and Women by Kristen Hannah), I pondered the personal Olympic stories that were beautifully shared on NBC by Mike Tirico. Here is a sampling. There were many from which to choose — diving, crew, cycling, surfing, swimming, artistic synchronized swimming, fencing …..
The Stories
There was Simone Biles and her “redemption” tour. She overcame the “twisties” and personal demons including those launched by the sexual abuser Larry Nassar. Amazing accomplishments for her in all ways.
Then there was Stephen Nodoroscik — the so called “nerd” and Clark Kent lookalike. He helped the American men’s gymnastics team claim bronze. He’s a role model for kids who worry that wearing corrective lens produces stigma, among other ways in which he models patience, athleticism, concentration and capacity to perform under pressure. And he exhibited joy!
Then there was men’s basketball with Steph Curry being truly “in the zone” during the final two games (including the hard fought gold medal game) and LeBron James defying age and playing over 30 minutes (as I recall) in several games. And somehow, these high paid athletes absorbed the Olympic spirit and the power of representing their nation.
Then there was golf and the usually emotionless Scottie Scheffler tearing up at winning the gold medal. Crying isn’t common in golf. And while golf seems oddly placed to me as an Olympic sport, the golfers seemed even more energized than during the Rider Cup.
Then there was Celine Dion who sang at the Opening Ceremonies, temporarily overcoming debilitating illness to render a poignant song by the renowned French singer Edith Piaf — bringing her song back to life. Wow! One of the commentators was so choked up that she couldn’t comment on air. (I was chocked up too.)
Then there were track and field highs and lows, repeat successes and meeting expectations — and experiencing failure like the baton handoff by the US men’s relay team (a repeat failure to add to the humiliation). Leaping and vaulting higher, running faster, hurling farther — remarkable. And yes, there was the high jumper’s demise due to his abundant frontal package (in truth, his knocking over the bar started with his thigh as I recollect).
And then there was Brittany Griner, a new mom and a former prisoner in Russia and a professional women’s basketball player, weeping at the US national anthem. One can only imagine the thoughts and feelings filling her mind and heart, including the value of freedom.
So, as the Olympics close today, it is worth contemplating all the reasons we cry — and the emotions behind tears. Yes, there are tears of sadness for sure. But there can be tears of joy and accomplishment, tears of profound self-realization and tears to express the power of being alive and sharing our time on this precious earth with others.
