The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris could not have come at a better time. With the tension of a U.S. presidential election and continuing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the pageantry and uplifting stories of the Olympic Games are a welcome distraction.
Last Friday night, in what’s now become an opening ceremony tradition, French singer-songwriter Juliette Armanet sang a moving rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Against the backdrop of people gathered from around the world to celebrate sport, the song is a call for peace. It paints the picture of all the world’s people coexisting in harmony and “liv[ing] as one” without greed, borders or conflicts. Even John Lennon understood the goal was lofty. Still, the song was meant to help people envision a better world that they could take steps toward.
So how can we work to create the world the beloved song imagines? Even this early in the Games, the Olympians are already giving us some clues.
Nearly 11,000 athletes from over 200 countries have come to Paris to compete in 32 featured sports. Some athletes will medal, but the majority are just thrilled to be there representing their country, soaking in the atmosphere of friendship, unity and fair play that defines the Olympic spirit.
1- One for all
Over the weekend, the U.S. men’s basketball team won big over Serbia in their opening game. Superstars LeBron James (LA Lakers), Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns), and Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors) regularly play for competing NBA teams, but they’ve set aside those rivalries to come together on one team with other NBA standouts to represent their country in the Olympics.
Time will tell whether they are the next American “dream team,” but even a collection of the best players can’t win without working well together, according to USA Basketball Managing Director Grant Hill. But having everyone overcome their differences and focus on the common goal gives them the best chance of success.
2 – Set the example
After her struggles in the last Olympics helped normalize getting help with mental health issues, Simone Biles seems stronger than ever. Given her years of experience, she is affectionately known as the “grandma” of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Team at age 27.
On Sunday, she overcame a calf injury in the warmups to rally her teammates in the qualifying round. She made it to five individual finals, but her encouragement and solid example helped get the group through to the team final as well. She deserves her G.O.A.T. title for reasons that go well beyond medals.
3 – Defy expectations
In August 2023, when the U.S. women’s soccer team lost early in the World Cup, the once dominant team felt the intense sting of defeat. Big changes quickly followed. Nearly a year later in Paris, half the team members are first-time Olympians. Their head coach only took the position in late May. They are currently ranked No. 5 in the world, their lowest ranking ever.
Against all odds, though, they are seeking to start a new era for the historic women’s soccer team and hope to win their first gold medal in twelve years. They’re off to a great start with dominant wins over Zambia and Germany. By focusing on their coach’s goals of building connections and confidence, and the players’ goal of working hard for each other as a team, the sky’s the limit.
4 – Pay it forward
Veteran swimmer Caeleb Dressel joined three other impressive American swimmers to win gold in the 4x100m freestyle relay on Saturday. Dressel has now won an impressive eight gold medals across three Olympics.
While he was thrilled to win the top prize this time in front of his new baby boy, this relay race was ultimately about paying it forward. Dressel said he mostly wanted to get a gold medal for the younger swimmers on the team, especially the two who were swimming in their very first Olympic event ever. Dressel has experienced many moments in the spotlight and wanted his new teammates to have the same opportunity to stand on top of the podium. That’s an Olympic spirit worth talking about.
What do YOU dream about doing?
Don’t talk yourself out of it, even if it seems too big or others question your sanity for trying. Aim high, be a determined and respectful example for others, and figure out how to get it done. Seek out (and accept!) help from others to reach your goal. We can accomplish so much more together than on our own. And once you’ve done it, reach back to bring others along with you in your success.
What if you stopped imagining those big things you want to do and got to work making them real? We can’t wait for you to try.
