Uniting humankind
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Kurt Johnson
The Olympic flag is flying half way around the globe in China, and with it the spirits of a watching world.
There is something truly mesmerizing about this global quadrennial tradition, with the best of the best from every nation on earth competing for Olympic gold. I got goose bumps watching the opening ceremony Friday night hearing the prophetic words of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, but during that same broadcast was struck by the harsh realities threatening world peace, perhaps even while these Games are unfolding.
The Olympic mission is to bring the world together in peaceful competition, “always building bridges, never erecting walls, uniting humankind in all our diversity,” Bach said in an impassioned speech. “In our world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, we show the world, yes, it is possible to be fierce rivals, while at the same time living peacefully and respectfully, together.”
That spirit shone through the bright and cheerful eyes of athletes marching into the Beijing stadium, even though their expressions were hidden behind masks, thanks to the pandemic. Some said they were more nervous and excited for that ceremony than they would be when competing in their own events, which says all you need to know about the impact of simply making it to that grand stage and being there in person. Seeing the stands all but empty is tragic in that sense, void of flag-waving, screaming fans wearing their hearts and nation’s colors on their sleeves.
Indeed it is the heroic background stories of how these athletes got there and incredible on ice and snow performances that make the Olympics must-see TV. We’re only a few days in, and already young heroes are starting to emerge. Knowing that I still recall the heroics of figuring skating icon Dorothy Hamill in 1976 and who can forget the US hockey “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, it’s powerful and in no way an exaggeration to consider that these Games will create heroes for generations to come.
With so many eyes focused on the Olympic rings you know that politics will come into play, and that has certainly been apparent in Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a deliberate message with his choice for torchbearer, a young lady who is a member of a minority from the region of China where the Communist Party is accused of widespread human rights abuses. Jinping clearly has the world’s microphone, and he is going to use it like a hammer.
Also out of place but not surprising that opening night was the fierce look and appearance of Russian President Vladamir Putin, who has threatened to invade nearby Ukrain even while the Olympic flag is flying high. That would be the lowest of lows, even for Putin.
Bach’s word carried the day, on opening day, and hopefully will be heard and remembered around the world:
“You, the Olympic athletes, will show how the world would look like if we all respect the same rules and each other,” he said.
Amen to that, even if only for a two-week global celebration.
Kurt Johnson
