Despite the interference of TV rights and sponsorship fees and the Olympic events that might or might not have been live, the 2000 Summer Olympics offered the world more than just a chance to taunt, race and count medals.

Monday, October 02, 2000

Despite the interference of TV rights and sponsorship fees and the Olympic events that might or might not have been live, the 2000 Summer Olympics offered the world more than just a chance to taunt, race and count medals.

This was a chance for people from many different countries to get together and share what is most intriguing about modern life and the world we live in today – our differences.

We learned a little about the world and the world learned a little about us. No event that fosters that kind of awareness and appreciation could be all bad.

But by far the best product of the games were the stories behind the headliners. The dreams that came true and the underdogs who will take home nothing more than the memory of carrying their country’s flag during the opening ceremonies reveal what the olympic games are supposed to be about – doing your best.

And then there were the Cinderellas, the athletes who no one else thought would place, let alone win a medal, who now know what it is like to hear their nation’s anthem played for them.

It is the tears, not the medals, that leave the impression. The young people who have just seen a lifetime of hard work turn into an honor for their families, country and themselves.

The heart is what we should remember from these games because that is what these games are supposed to be about.