Sportsmanship, Grit, and Athleticism: Building a Healthier Future

These three qualities—sportsmanship, grit, and athleticism—are traits any nation would be proud to foster in its people, especially in future generations. Enabling the current and, even more importantly, the future generations to embrace these characteristics is a goal worth striving for.

My father and grandfather played a pivotal role in nurturing my love for sports and competition. No controversy could diminish the joy of watching and cheering for the sheer display of grit—whether it was the precision of the German team in rhythmic gymnastics, the unstoppable prowess of China’s swimmers, or the remarkable story of Kenya’s Julius Yego, so called the "Youtube Man".

Though no one in my family was a professional athlete, my father was always active, much to the delight of my sister and me, showcasing various exercises on the bar. My grandfather ensured that our summer holidays included attending local sports festivals as spectators and watching the Olympic Games on TV.

These experiences ingrained in me a lifelong habit—a habit sustained. There is an abundance of lessons that both young and old can learn from simply watching athletics, listening to commentators narrate athletes' stories, and understanding their individual struggles and victories.

What we focus on is what we attract into our lives and who we become. During the Olympic Games, it's common to see children competing at home, inspired by what they see. In my family, we exercise more during these times.

Living in the UAE, we have access to watch the games via a specific app. I hope that in countries where such apps aren't available, young people can still enjoy the games on TV, just as I did during my childhood. The opportunity to watch these events can be incredibly inspiring for them.

I often see adults struggling with habits like eating well and exercising regularly. We know that in most cases, this isn't about poor willpower; it's about what they were deprived of as children. If a taste for fresh vegetables and fruits wasn't formed early on, or if physical activity and competitiveness weren't part of their routine, it's no surprise that they struggle now. Without those neural pathways established in childhood, it's hard to expect that the next generation won’t face similar challenges.

Finally, small examples hold important lessons about how the ecosystem of a healthy generation will or won’t work. In low-income countries, I hope national governments, in collaboration with schools, provide students with these opportunities. In all countries, it’s up to families—up to us—to lead by example.

As the Olympic Games come to a close—what we witnessed was a beautiful expression of sportsmanship, grit, and athleticism. And more championships are on the horizon—local, regional, and beyond.