The Olympics Are Finally Here
The 2024 Paris Olympics: Showcasing Humanity’s Joy and Togetherness in Our Quest for Hope and Harmony
In a time of disagreements, scandals, tumults, and warfare, it’s refreshing to see the world come together to play games. Games, no matter how old we get, showcase the childlike wonder embedded within all of us. And the opening ceremonies of the Olympics are a perfect overture of the example. It shows we never have to lose our sense of awe and joy amid our differences with the world around us.
The 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony is the most unique ceremony where competing athletes are chauffeured down the historic Seine River in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower on boats. Traditionally, athletes walk into an arena and around a track. So this year’s opening ceremony is, without a doubt, a one-of-its-kind moment. The smiles, happy dances, and frenetic flag waving from all the athletes, proudly representing their families, communities, and countries, is a much-needed refreshment.
Of course, the Olympics have their own set of controversies and scandals. Some might even call the whole display of world games propaganda to distract from other worldwide atrocities. However, what we cannot deny, despite these accusations, is that the display of unity is always a beautiful sight to behold.
This moment of togetherness is always a snippet of how humankind can live—in unison, peace, and civility, which should not be mistaken for “sameness.” The differences in artistic styles, music, dress, skin tones, literature, and much more create a beautiful harmonic representation of humanity.
Additionally, competition—the opportunity for each country to put their best effort on display on the world’s biggest stage—brings out the brightest, most colorful exhibit of humanity’s harmony.
Aside from the bigger picture of the awe-inspiring unity of the games, I’m excited for some games! I’m between a curious spectator and a full-blown fan of the Olympics. My wife is an all-out fan.
But as we watch this year, I will try to watch a little differently. This year, I will watch for some of the best competitors in the world who lose. I wrote about what I mean in more detail here for my Monday Morning Coach column last month. Check it out here:
This is the one time every four years I get heavily invested in sports that I never find time to watch (or they’re just not broadcasted), like rugby, handball, and new this year—breakdancing! Of course, we have to watch track and field, swimming, basketball, and gymnastics, too. We have most of the games set to record on our YouTube TV account.
Which games are you most looking forward to watching this year?
