Torino

I’ve missed most of the first part of the winter Olympics this year, which, believe me, is very rare. But once I get started — I don’t think I’m going to be able to control myself @_@ Olympics are addicting. Especially when the broadcasters dig up all these tear-jerking stories about the athletes to boost viewer ratings. But I must admit, I’m a sucker for those stories. Actually, I’m just a sucker for athletes in general — though of course, the hot ones get more attention from me 😛

I remember I once had an argument with someone about whether athletes deserve all the money that they make. The case in question was basketball stars. Honestly, I don’t really know how much basketball stars make. But I believe they deserve every cent. I think athletes are some of the hardest working people on the planet. Yet no matter how much you prepare, there are so many unforeseeable events involved that you may lose everything in the end. What other people see — four and a half minutes of what looks like effortless dancing on the ice, one long jump through the air that takes maybe a few seconds, oh and that sliding through a tunnel thing that looks so much fun — is the final moment that they’ve worked so hard to get to. When tears fall off those cheeks, I assure you it’s not because these are weaklings.

And while your eyes are always focused on the person at the top of the podium, think about the ones who never made it there, never will make it there, never had a chance of making it there. For every one (or three) standing, there are countless others still training for their dreams of gold. Sometimes you just want to say, why don’t you just give up? You are just not talented enough to do this! Yes, being an athlete — well, a good one anyway — requires talent. But talent alone doesn’t get you to the top. And you know what? Even if everyone dreams about getting to the top, that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about setting goals and achieving them. Running into obstacles and overcoming them. It’s the rush that takes over when you meet a challenge right in the face. And telling yourself, next time, I’ll do better.

The saddest part about being an athlete, is that no one stays at the top. There are those who leave the game when they are there, and those that refuse to relinquish their status. My dad once told me how he knew he was too old for soccer. You see the ball in front of you, and you think you can catch up to it, and you run and run and you just can’t reach the ball. Your body just can’t catch up with your spirit anymore. At some point, you must accept that, and turn to other things. Some people love the sport so much they stay on — as coaches, broadcasters, referees… Others go on and lead “normal” lives like the rest of us. But no one can take those experiences away from them, and whether they become housewives or CEOs, they are still athletes at heart.

Boy do I sound passionate and cheesy in this one, haha. I’m never gonna be an athlete. Can’t take the pain and pressure. But kudos to those who are ^____^

P.S. Note to self — Must start watching men’s figure skating again. Many cute boys (so what if they are too young) 🙂