Blog #12: Dare to Dream

24 years ago, the Olympic Games was in my hometown of Sydney and as a little girl, I was thrilled to see the torch relay pass my grandparents place. I have always loved the Games and a recent visit to Paris proved this feeling can only grow, with the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower being the best view in the world right now!

It’s been two months between blogs (sorry, it’s been a busy time over Summer!) but I’m back with an Olympic edition and am spilling the tea this month on the motto and values that guide the Olympic Movement and how they are applicable in sport and life.

Harmonised Rivalry

Sport has a special way of creating harmonised rivalry. We compete and celebrate both victories and losses, we passionately show our support for athletes, and we unite over moments that matter. I love the momentum the Olympic + Paralympic Games spread across the globe and the energy that permeates through a nation when it has the chance to host. The buzz of athletes and events radiates in conversation and there is a powerful spirit that connects us all through sport!

Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together

The original Olympic motto 'Citius, Altius, Fortius' (Faster, Higher, Stronger) was adopted with the launch of the Olympic Movement in 1894. In 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved a change to recognise the importance of solidarity, including the word ‘Together’ (IOC, 2024).

To highlight a few of the acts of solidarity that have taken place in recent times:

• Sydney, 2000: Cathy Freeman, an Indigenous Australian athlete, lit the Olympic cauldron and athletes from North and South Korea marched together under a single flag in the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics.
• Rio 2016: First ever Refugee Olympic Team established.

And, this year in Paris 2024, the athlete gender equality ratio is 1:1.

Not only are female athletes equally represented this year, they are smashing the records with Simone Biles becoming the most decorated US Gymnast and Jessica Fox (our Australian flag bearer!) becoming the most decorated canoe slalom athlete in Olympic history. Women are paving their way into the history books proudly!

3+4 Values

There are 7 values in total - 3 Olympic and 4 Paralympic values that are relevant in sport and life (taken directly from the IOC website).

3 Olympic values:

• Friendship?- using sport to develop tolerance and understanding between all people – performers, spectators and citizens generally.
• Excellence?- someone doing the best they can, in sport and in life. It is about taking part and striving for improvement, not just winning.
• Respect?- having consideration for oneself, others and the wider environment. It includes respecting the rules of sport and the officials who uphold them.

4 Paralympic values:

• Courage?- someone rising above their circumstances and showing their true worth.
• Determination?- someone pushing themselves to the limit in order to achieve what they set out to do.
• Equality?- recognising that people have equal worth whatever their differences and taking action to overcome prejudice and discrimination.
• Inspiration?- being a positive role model – someone using their achievements to lead the way for others.

Values in Action - in sport and life!

Take Derek Redmond (1992), British athlete and favourite for the Gold who tore his hamstring midway. This his inspired determination he finished the race with his dad by his side! This one brings me to tears each time I watch it…

Another example is of Steve Bradbury (2002), who defied all odds and won Australia's first ever Gold Medal at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. I love this moment, it serves as a constant reminder to never give up - and, has become a part of the Australian vernacular: "to do a Steve Bradbury" is to triumph unexpectedly!

Celine Dion’s (2024) incredibly moving performance of ‘Hymne A L’Amour’ as she returns again to stage following her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome is again, a poignant example of these values. While not athletic, it was a courageous and inspiring moment of the 2024 Games that will be remembered.

There are so many 'golden' moments that I can think of throughout Olympic history that have inspired me. Thinking about the Games you have seen or experienced throughout your lifetime, please share a moment that mattered in the comments!