From the kitchen table...Tokyo Olympics
Did you catch any of the Tokyo Olympics??
What fantastic games Tokyo 2020 (21) has turned out to be. There was huge controversy in the build-up with the pandemic clearly a priority in decision-making. But I am so thrilled that they were eventually allowed to go ahead, even if the crowds were not present to witness it. So many powerful metaphors could be drawn from the games this time.?
It was a fantastic opportunity for us to share the positivity of our human spirit. Despite over 18 months of restrictions, isolation, fear, and challenge we have experienced together as a global community, we were able to witness some of the very best in human endeavour, teamwork, and camaraderie.?
I was thrilled by the many new sports that were introduced this year. Climbing, skateboarding, mixed triathlons, all seemed to sit comfortably alongside more traditional activities. Modernising the approach. Appealing to a younger generation. Recognising the part that adventure must play in our future. Watch out for break dancing, amongst other new activities at the Paris Olympics in 2024. It shan’t be long!
I couldn’t believe the age of some of the competitors! The youngest I saw were 12 and 13 in skateboarding with silver and bronze medals going to each!!! I was also really moved by how close some of the competitors have become to each other, friendships born out of shared experiences. Open and authentic congratulations were passed between rival competitors and teams. Even the act of placing a medal around a teammate's neck seemed to mark a new age of respect and appreciation for each other.
Maybe it’s because I’m getting old, but I interpreted this as a new generation stepping forward to take the reins. Not only did we see their courage, fitness, and absolute focus as they set new world records that have remained in place for many years,?but we were also allowed to meet with and share the excitement of their friends and families. Witnessing the amazing stories of how children, often from humble backgrounds, have been able to rise to the top of their chosen sport.?
On the TV, I watched some of the British team arrive back in the UK where their families and friends were waiting to greet them in arrivals. Prevented by Covid from watching their loved ones participate and excel in the Tokyo Olympics, they were overcome with emotion, pride, and love. I cried like a baby!
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And amongst all of this, we shared the emotional turmoil of athletes who chose to prioritise their well-being over participating further in the games. A real and fundamental lesson to us all is that none of us are superhuman and we all need to prioritise our mental health.
This was a snapshot of life during Covid. Overcoming adversity. The indomitable spirit of human endeavour. A quote that I heard on Sunday, as the games ended, will forever remind me of this time in our life.
“To feel so close together, when we’ve never been so far apart”
I suspect that for further inspiration, we need to look no further than the Paralympics in a couple of weeks’ time.
Well done, Japan. Well done, Tokyo. You gave us hope and optimism at a time when we need it most.
Dave Williams, from the kitchen table
Exec Search for Family Office, HR Consultancy & Coaching
3 年Totally agree! The highlight for me was watching the new sports and hearing the stories of people overcoming adversity in the run up, particularly the difficulties people had training during Covid/lockdown.
Global Head of Talent at TTIP Global
3 年Thanks Dave for starting an interesting conversation. The Olympics, and other international sporting events are so important in helping us see ourselves as global citizens. They help us recognise that we can strive for excellence without having to harm others. In fact when we watch the inspiring athletes, some barely teenagers, one can only be filled with optimism. Such a refreshing positive change from the war and conflicts, nationalistic political egomania, disregard of other nation's plights, insidious algorithms, cybercrime and other damaging forces!
Intercultural management consultant and trainer. Asian specialist.
3 年For me, the Olympic moment was the request by the Qatari to share his gold medal with his Italian opponent and friend after seriously hard competition in the high jump. And in general, the unstoppable drift towards gender equality (I hope). Finally, that 46-year-old skateboarder gives up all hope! ??
Senior Consultant | Business Development, Executive Coaching
3 年Totally agree Dave - and it’s been a real beacon of hope and joy over the last few weeks (which I’ll miss) and has reminded me of the simple things in life that can also bring these things about. Roll on the Paralympics :-)