An article was released from “USA Today” concerning the short-lived success of our American gymnasts. As explained in this article, these American success stories inevitably retire and pursue other interests such as singing (Carly Patterson), motivational speaking (Mary Lou Retton), and television analysis (Shannon Miller). There exists, however, something more that we as human beings forget after time lessens the feeling after the medal moment. We fail to remember the super hero commitment exerted day in and day out by these individuals to accomplish a dream. We fail to remember a greater idea. We succeed in remembering that moment, but not the message. If we could aspire to greatness, like these athletes, like these individuals, and solidify our minds on a goal, we too could achieve something worth talking about. Achievements that beg to question the realistic boundaries once we conquer the superficial ones that we create for ourselves.
These athletes win numerous medals and receive a plethora of media coverage for the next few weeks while back in America, however, after those weeks have surpassed their successes become as forgotten as yesterday’s breakfast. I am not proclaiming that their success should be measured by a constant flow of concern by fellow onlookers, but rather a gradual shift of perspective. These athletes commit themselves as hard as any pure driven individual to that certain dream goal, and that should be glorified. In the end, we as individuals can either accept these medals as just mere trophies in America’s trophy case, or as a an idea, symbolizing the power of a committed individual with an ongoing purpose.
3 comments:
My sister used to be a gymnast and after going to a bunch of her shows and watching the stunts she performs I can see how much effort you have to put in. It also takes a lot of self trust on their part because one wrong move could result in disaster. Honestly, I don’t know why gymnasts are not more recognized. The sport they compete in is one of the most dangerous bar none, and requires a whole lot of not only physical fitness but skill as well. They disserve to be more recognized.
Most people will never get the message, the meaning of struggle and commitment. Most people avoid anything that's difficult or uncomfortable. Most people smile at the glint off the gold medal and are happy to ignore all the work and risk taken to earn it. Most people don't win gold medals though do they?
We are 75% water. Perhaps then it is our nature, as is water's, to seek the path of least resistance. Who then are we the few who seem to be made of much more? Who are we who stand in front of a mountain and decide to push through it, as oppose to going around just because we know there's a gain greater then our destination on the other side? Who are we, and what are we made of and is gold even close to representing it?
I can understand how you find it unfair that these people bask so briefly in the favor and admiration of the public, but with a war raging on , the bailout failing and an election that may determine the survival of America as a country, there is little room left in the headlines for gymnasts who won a medal years ago.
With every burst of fame there is a fallout between the media and the celebrity.
The people who were truly inspired, the ones who watched and swore that one day they would accomplish the same feat, those people never forget. They need no media coverage to remind them of the triumph they witnesses. .
Post a Comment