SHARED HUMANITY

The summer of 2021 Olympics brought some wonderful moments that remind us of our shared humanity. The games began (and lasted through) the COVID pandemic and opposition to the competitions. It was in the relations among the athletes that some of the most human emotions and actions showed heartwarming humanity. When we witnessed their contacts, the humanity touched us, nearly bringing tears to many of us watching.

While the sportscasters mostly focused on who won, how fast they went, what country they represented, and the various competitive factors, there were deep emotional lessons that were fascinating. They started right from the opening ceremony. There we saw the Japanese-Haitian tennis champion light the torch. The flag bearer for Japan, a forward for the Washington Wizards basketball team, has a Japanese mother and father from Benin, West Africa. No, the Japanese are not suddenly tolerant of race mixing; this was an effort to encourage acceptance of all of us. Athletes for Europe, Canada, the U.S., and even places like Qatar were obviously immigrants or descendants of Africans. You can’t tell where someone is from and that shows we are not separate even if political lines assign us to certain nationalities.

Appreciation of athletes for each other was often on display. The sweetheart of the Olympics, Simone Biles, shocked everyone by withdrawing from most events. Her poise remained steadfast, and she cheered others who had opportunities to win because of her non-participation. We could then cheer her as she performed on the balance beam. Among the oldest participants was a 46-year-old gymnast who was applauded by would-be rivals. The youngest Olympian was a 12-year-old table tennis player who snapped a picture with the contestant who defeated her. Two high jumpers hugged and shared the gold when they were basically tied. Two runners who fell helped each other up.

Surprise winners were winners in more than their sport. A Tunisian swimmer who was the slowest qualifier in his field won gold, his country’s hero during a time of political turmoil. A Dutch runner fell early in her race, got up, and came in first. Some of those who did not come first showed pride in coming second, third, finishing their race, or just being Olympians.

Gender issues took center stage as never before. There were a number of mother-contestants, including Allyson Felix who ran in her fourth Olympics, and some who could bring infants who were breastfeeding. Three fencers protested a fellow team member who is under investigation for sexual assault.

Sports fans and those cool to competitions can find much to commend in spite of the challenges and controversies of these games.