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Nourishing Relationships

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The Real Face of the Olympics


The anticipation of the Bejing Olympics was palpable - and the spectacular opening 
ceremonies, at the impressive Bird's Nest, proved it was well worth the wait. 
Yet the ideals of the summer games are also well represented behind the scenes: 

1.	Lopez Lomong was elected by his teammates to be the United States flag bearer. 
One of the Lost Boys of Sudan rescued from a Kenyan refugee camp by a United Nations 
program, he qualified for the U.S. team in the 1,500 meter race. What a story - personified 
in the host country, China, which has been strongly criticized for its record on human 
rights. One of the key concerns has been the war torn Darfur region of Lomong's home, Sudan. 
Lomong joined Team Darfur, a group formed to raise awareness of perceived abuses. As an 
ambassador of the U.S. and an athlete from Sudan, he's showing his character and sending 
a message: "I am worried about the kids who are dying in Darfur, kids who don't have the 
dream they could be good athletes or Olympians or doctors, because they will be running away 
from their villages separated from their families." His greatest hope is to inspire young 
kids around the world.

2.	It has been three months since the 7.8 earthquake that devastated the Sichuan province 
of China, killing 70,000 people, injuring 375,000 and leaving more than 5 million homeless. 
Over 7,000 classrooms were destroyed and close to 10,000 children died in the tragedy. 
With the one child rule in China, there was an outpouring of grief as many families lost 
their only child. In the opening ceremony 9-year old Lin Hao, a student in a primary school 
at the epicenter, accompanied flag bearer Yao Ming, representing hope for the Chinese people. 
After surviving the earthquake and getting out of his classroom, Lin Hao went back into the 
rubble to pull two classmates to safety. During his rescue efforts he was hit by falling rubble 
and suffered a head injury. While waiting for help, he encouraged his classmates to sing, 
keeping their spirits up. When he was asked why he risked his life, he said that he was the hall 
monitor and it was his job to look after his classmates. Although Lin Hao is not an 
Olympian - at least not yet - his heroism makes a grieving country proud and, while still 
mourning, allows all of China to enjoy the celebration. 

3.	The power of emotional support is exemplified by the families at the Olympics, watching 
their emerging adult children spread their wings as they compete. With world records and more 
gold medals than any other Olympian in history under his belt, everyone is talking about 
Michael Phelps. His mother and sisters describe the emotional roller coaster ride - the ups 
and downs, the pressure, the racing hearts, and then the ultimate excitement. His mother sees 
the aquatic center as Michael's office and knows that he's working to perform at his highest level.
Just after his dramatic win, Michael Phelps said, "I don't know what to feel right now. 
It's so emotional. All I want to do is go see my mom." The Phelps family epitomizes the good 
in families, as well as their dreams and heroes.

4.	Elisabeth McCutcheon, married to the U.S. men's volleyball coach, Hugh McCutcheon, 
was a member of the women's volleyball team in Athens, Her parents, Todd and Barbara Bachman, 
were great supporters of the sport. The first day of the games, Todd died of a stabbing and 
Barbara was seriously injured by an attacker who committed suicide by jumping from the ancient 
Drum Tower. Hugh's first thought, when hearing the news of his in-laws, was how to get to his 
wife. As a coach, as well as a son-in-law, there was no question about what to do in the face 
of such a tragedy. His response was what others expected of him: "volleyball is my job, 
my family is my life." He left to support and comfort his wife. He phoned his team before 
the first game, providing leadership from a distance. The volleyball community that loved the 
Bachmans rallied. The men took the floor for that first match with the victims' initials written 
on the backs of their shoes and said a silent prayer in memory of Todd Bachman. In a game that 
was much tougher than it should have been, the U.S. men's volleyball team won what turned 
out to be a bitter-sweet victory.

5.	The first time ever, two U.S. women won gold and silver medals in the all-around individual 
gymnastics competition. For Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson - friends, competitors, teammates - it's 
been a long journey but a dream come true. The pair anchored the U.S. team that took silver behind 
China's gold earlier in the week. Liukin said she was not disappointed, but she and Johnson wanted 
more. They made a calendar, counting the days until they got their next chance for gold. They 
wanted to go all out and have fun. And the two pals managed to do both. "I couldn't be any 
prouder of Nastia," Johnson said. "She deserved that gold medal. She's one of my best friends 
and we just want the best for each other." The silver seemed to whet Johnson's appetite. 
She wants to try again at the Olympics in London. "After experiencing the Olympics, I'd give 
anything to feel that again. If I can in 2012, I'll be there." 

Competing and winning is important. But don't forget about character strength, moral values 
and the emotional support of those who care about you. In large measure, this is what the 
Olympics are really all about. In general, what words of wisdom do the athletes share from 
their experiences? Follow your heart, love what you do, work hard and have fun. That is 
definitely an excellent exercise for all of us - so stretch into that one. 

© 2008, Her Mentor Center


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