Olympic Dreams: Fun Facts Friday

Who doesn't watch the Olympics and imagine themselves as an athlete? My kids and I are glued to every triumph and sad with every defeat. It's so inspiring to hear the atheletes' stories and how dedicated they are to their respective sports.

Inspired, I thought I'd do some research and present some fun facts about the Olympic tradition. A special thanks to my daughter, Jackie, who did the legwork of fact finding thanks to her own interest.

Source

Significance of the Five Rings

They symbolize the five significant continents and are interconnected to symbolize friendship, something hopefully achieved by the international events. The rings, from left to right, are blue, yellow, black, green, and red. These colors were chosen because at least one of them appears on the flag of every country in the world. The Olympic Flag was first flown during the 1920 Olympics.

Olympic Oath

One athlete from the host country, on behalf of all the athletes, recites the following oath before the start of games (first taken at the 1920 Olympics): In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams.

Olympic Creed

The following has appeared on the scoreboard of every modern day Olympics: The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.

Olympic Motto

Citius, Altius, Fortius: Swifter, Higher, Stronger

Now, I'm even more inspired. I was not familiar with the oath, creed, or motto. But each is inspiring in its mission of sportsmanship and dedicated participation. They can be applied to all facets of life.

As a writer, I know that being a part of a writing community has elevated my writing knowledge and resources as well as teaching me the importance of dedication. To my fellow writers... swifter, higher, stronger. I know we can do it.

This past week, Michelle Rafter (fearless Blogathon leader) had a great post: Going for the Gold: 6 Ways Writers Can Train Like an Olympian. She said it so well, so please visit the post.

No matter what we choose to do in life, we can all benefit by tackling it like an Olympic athlete and remembering, "... the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle."

What has been your favorite 2012 Summer Olympic memory so far?

Mine: USA Swimming. I have such a renewed respect since two of my daughters are swimmers.