The Quiet Heros
Sitting on the Tube tonight was a small family – mom, dad and a college age daughter. The dad’s shirt said “USA Swimming”. One of the girls in our group noticed and asked where they were from which started the conversation on why they were at the Olympics. Turns out their daughter won the bronze medal in the 200 meter IM swim! We cheered and congratulated them on their daughters victory…it was clear they were happy as well. One of them commented it was like a dream.
Thinking about the short exchange now it seems clear that the quiet heroes of the Games are the Olympic families. Those who have come to support their athlete at what could be the pinnacle – or heart breaker – of their career. But the support goes so far beyond that. Thinking back one can imagine the sacrifices made (P& G capitalized on this with their “Thank you, Mom” campaign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NScs_qX2Okk), the early mornings and travel, potentially the giving up of other dreams to pursue this goal and the time, effort and heart put into getting to the Games.
To you, the families of Olympic athletes, I say congratulations. You too deserve recognition for all you have done to get your athlete to the Games.
-W.A.
Posted by olympian on August 5, 2012 | Filed under: Olympics.
