Student Outlook -- Kellie Brownell

Even since their very beginning, the Olympics have been so much more

than just a sports tournament. From 776 B.C. to 393 A.D., the ancient

Greek civilization began the tradition of honoring the god Zeus through

competition in the Olympic games. During the festivities wars would cease

and people from all areas of the Greek world would gather together to

participate.

After centuries of religious wars and cultural strife, a French

philosopher by the name of Pierre de Coubertin fought to reestablish the

Olympics games in hope of promoting peace around the world. The first

modern games held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, hailed a new era in global

unity. Though the modern Olympics still uphold the same creed as the

ancient games, they were initiated in the honor of overcoming conflicts

between cultures and nations. Little more than a century later, the

Olympic Games have grown into the most revered form of athletic

competition in the world as well as an unprecedented opportunity for

people around the world to come together.

The Olympic traditions are rich in symbolism from the interlocking of

the rings to the dances featured in the Opening Ceremonies. At this

particular Olympics, a nation having to deal with its brutal past cheered

hundreds of Native Americans as they danced into the arena. Even among

themselves, it was the first time all the different tribes had come

together in a peaceful manner. The gorgeous artistic displays and

performances matched up with a stadium packed with people from all areas

and cultures of the globe, suggests a progression in worldwide harmony.

For the thousands of athletes who spend their entire lives for a

10-second ski race or three-minute performance, only a handful will

return home with the gold. But the other competitors have the honor of

carrying on a tradition of striving for the highest reaches one is able

to climb, the fastest we are able to go and the strength that allows

athletes to get up after a fall or to skate on an injured foot (Citius,

Altius, Fortius -- the Olympic motto).

During the Olympics, you see triumph and you see devastation, but

through it all, there is a sense of heroism that these athletes made it

that far. By just being able to walk in the Opening Ceremonies and being

able to say that you participated in the Olympic Games proves one’s

dedication, courage and perseverance to defy limits, medal or no medal.

But in the overall Olympics scheme of things, the sports only act as a

vehicle in which art, athleticism, culture and unity can be celebrated in

an international context. Essentially, it is 17 days in which people from

all over the world, viewing from their home or in Salt Lake City, can

commemorate humanity’s ability to peacefully encourage each other to put

forth their best and rise to the challenge -- even if it is just for two

weeks.

Over the next couple weeks, observe the athletes who have sacrificed

so much to get so far and be inspired by their victories, failures and,

most importantly, experiences.

* KELLIE BROWNELL is a Newport Harbor junior whose columns will appear

on an occasional basis in the Community Forum section.