ArcaMax

I don't have a favorite Olympic sport. I'm not an athlete. High school marching band was my team sport. But I do love the Olympic Games, and for me, it's all about the stories -- stories of perseverance, camaraderie and sportsmanship. I love watching athletes show us what they're made of and who they really are by how they rise to the challenge and how they support one another.

Stories of competitors like Stephen Nedoroscik, the "nerdy" mechanical engineer who focused on his strengths to make it against all odds. He dominated the pommel horse despite a rare eye condition that would render most people incapable of athletic participation, much less being an Olympic medalist. He's been deemed a "unicorn" by medical doctors, but thanks to his perseverance, he achieved his dream and landed on the podium with a bronze medal. Let him be an example for every child who is told they can't. The whole world will tell you no. Don't do it for them by not ever trying.

It's athletes like Simone Biles who came back after withdrawing from several 2020 Olympic events in Tokyo. She showed us all that it is OK to listen to your body and recognize when you need to step back. The lesson her story offers is to not let others tell you to keep up the hustle when you know you need to pause. Taking a break is not a failure. It's preservation. Each of us should have such confidence and also learn such grace. Biles came back stronger than ever for herself, for her teammates and for her sport.

Beyond the athletes, it's also watching Snoop Dogg living his best life with such joy and authenticity. From carrying the torch and hanging with Martha Stewart to swimming with Michael Phelps and wearing the best outfits through it all, hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg teaches us to savor the joy in life and lean into your identity. Show the world who you truly are.

Each of these stories shows us exactly what the world needs right now: a coming together, not political rhetoric and fighting. The Olympics show us triumph in every sport, sure. But they also show us respect for fellow athletes from all over the world while each are examples of people striving to be and become their best selves.

While we root for our favorite teams and athletes, we must also learn from this international display of sportsmanship. How do we apply it to our daily lives? How do we take a minute to recognize that this is exactly what each of us should do in our daily lives? Like Simon Sinek says, life is an infinite game, so show up every day to do your best while also believing that everyone else is also doing their very best. Let's learn from these elite athletes in the Olympic Games.

Check out Bonnie's weekly YouTube videos at https://www.youtube.com/bonniejeanfeldkamp. To find out more about Bonnie Jean Feldkamp and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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