The year I was an RA (2001-02), the Olympics were going to be held in Salt Lake City, so there was never a question in my mind as to how I would decorate my hall. Giant rings hung on the end wall surrounded by laurel wreaths and pictures of athletes doing their thing. The girls' names were etched into fake medals for their doors, and between February 8 and 24, viewing parties were held nightly in the TV lounge, where the girls graciously allowed me to fly my Austrian flag for the skiing events.
I love the Olympics. And as I’ve watched my fair share already over the past week, I’ve tried to put my finger on why exactly I love them. It isn’t as if I’m a hardcore athlete or all that patriotic. When people speak of the enduring human spirit of the games, I work hard not to roll my eyes. I’m also not ignorant of the fact that abuses, scandals, and economic debts have followed most games and some beloved athletes. Still, the lighting of the unique Olympic Torch and the joy with which participants wave their nation’s flags gets me. I cheer when a race ends well, whether the final result was exactly as everyone predicted or a surprise upset (I’m looking at you, Anna Kiesenhofer).
The “internationalness” of the Games is one thing I love. Yesterday I witnessed an archer from Nepal go up against one from Bhutan - the two nations with the coolest flags on Earth. For the most part, I like that, at least for a moment, politics are put aside, and the Mainland Chinese table tennis player can show respect when losing to the Chinese-Taipei (Taiwanese) player. Sometimes we have to practice on the outside what we wish was true on the inside. Another aspect I enjoy is the heart-pounding thrill of a race well run. Swimmers thrash in the pool for 90 seconds, and suddenly my heart is pounding for the lone Austrian in Lane 8, willing her forward to a place in the round of 16. It’s also fun to see sports I know practically nothing about, like handball, and to suddenly find myself invested in the outcome and learning all the team members’ names from Sweden.
For two weeks the Olympics allow me to dive into a world that is beautiful and diverse and feeds an ache in my heart that I know will only be perfectly fulfilled in heaven. Maybe I have on blinders to some of the negative parts, but I will continue to celebrate the victories of the many nations, praying for their ultimate good to be recognized in the true Victor, Jesus Christ.
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