An Olympic Challenge
A letter of encouragement to our Olympic and Paralympic athletes -- who represent us so well on the ice and snow -- and then must respond to the challenges of the maelstrom that is the U.S right now.
Dear U.S Olympians and Paralympians:
While I would never be confused for an Olympic class athlete, I served on the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) for ten years. Each of the five Games during my tenure had their own challenges. Cost overruns, security risks, the Zika virus, Covid, doping, unfinished facilities, the list goes on. And each time administrators and officials had to step in and address the issues as best they could.
But if I learned one thing while serving on the USOPC board, it’s that no matter the circumstances or issues, the athletes are the ones who create Olympic magic. The personal stories of tragedy and triumph. Teams coming together in victory…and in defeat. Young stars emerging, experienced athletes astounding. The mix of countries and cultures creates an amazing tapestry. As the TV sports show used to say, “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. The human drama of athletic competition.” Athletes are what makes the Olympics and Paralympics…truly Olympian.
With that said, there is a persistent tension in the Olympic and Paralympic movement around political, moral, and social statements. The IOC has gone to great lengths to keep the Games focused on athletic performance and the community of nations, ideals that are baked into the founding documents of the Olympics themselves. Countries have deviated from these rules periodically, notably the US-led boycott of the Moscow Olympics in 1980, and the corresponding Soviet-inspired boycott of the LA Olympics four years later. There have been numerous personal statements as well – including American fists raised on the medal stand in Mexico City to protest racism in the U.S.
Now, as Team USA in Milan-Cortina, you are again facing difficult questions. Regardless of your own political beliefs, you will be asked by the press and others how you feel about various issues at home. With the advent of social media, everything said, done, photographed, AI’d, etc. will be seen and heard by millions. All raising the important question of what it means to represent your country and at the same time be true to your own beliefs. This could be a “rock meets hard place” moment for some of you.
I’m certainly no expert at this, but as a person who loves his country dearly and yet feels the need to call out injustices and mistakes at the same time, I would offer some ideas:
Make This Your Games: For some of you, this is not your first rodeo – and for others it will not be your last. But most Olympians and Paralympians only get one or a few shots to perform and celebrate. My hope is that you can focus on your sport, leave all your energies on the ice or snow, and bathe in the glory of the moment. Make it Olympian for you.
Share Your Country Pride: It is an honor to represent the Stars and Stripes – both because it’s your homeland and because Americans are cheering like crazy for you every evening. I’m a patriot at heart – and that means I love my country even with all its failings, warts, and problems. I hope you can find space to express your own patriotism and experience the joy of knowing we all are with you in spirit.
Say What You Need to Say: There are plenty of ways to answer questions or make statements that express your feelings clearly without being a distraction or violating some rule. Sadly, everything you say will be critiqued by others – including by the current U.S. administration leaders who don’t understand the context of the moment and the power of the sports community. Ignore the haters, make your point, and share the experience with athletes from across the globe.
Meet the Moment: Competing in the Games is perhaps the most important statement you can make – especially when you do it with discipline, humility, and excellence. It is in that competition that the spirit of the Olympics and Paralympics come alive. Milan-Cortina is a monumental milestone for athletes from the U.S. and from other countries. You should all have the ability to experience that in as pure a way as possible.
Have Fun: Every Olympian or Paralympian I’ve ever talked with has said that the Games changed their lives in some unique way. And in most cases, that change was brought about by the interactions, celebrations, dances, and sheer fun they had in the village, at venues, and with family and friends. Don’t leave anything on the table – find your joy in the competition, camaraderie, and celebrations throughout the Games. Sport should be fun.
For the rest of us, whether we love sports or not, there is a lot to learn from the Olympics and Paralympics. Competition and sportsmanship can and should go hand-in-hand. Cultures can mix and produce something magical. Life is about successes and failures. Humanity is beautiful and tragically flawed. That’s why I love the Olympics and Paralympics. I love what they stand for. I love how the Games can bring us all together. I love what the sports community can say about our world.
I hope that you, our Team USA athletes, show us exactly how to do that as a country. It’s been great to see a number of you already speaking up with courage and distinction. We need that spirit and example…now more than ever.
Citius, Altius, Fortius. Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together. The Olympic motto. Words to live by.
I am enjoying watching you in Milan-Cortina. I can’t wait for LA 2028.
Respectfully,
Robbie
Well said Robbie. I hope those in power will listen. Thank you