Viewership for the Olympic games saw a significant increase this year, with a rise of 82 percent compared to the Tokyo Olympics. This surge is surprising considering the overall decline in network television ratings. This raises the question: What drew so many people to watch the Olympics?
It cannot be solely attributed to the sports themselves being the attraction. Between Olympic competitions, only a few people pay attention to disciplines like gymnastics, track and field, swimming, fencing, trap shooting, rowing, and badminton.
There is something inherent in the Olympics that captivates viewers, perhaps the significance of the moment. The dedication of athletes who spend four years preparing for events that sometimes last only a few seconds adds to the allure.
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For those of us who are not elite athletes, comprehending the level of dedication and effort required to reach the top of competitive sports is challenging. However, watching the athletes during the games provides some insight. While most of us may not relate to running the 400-meter hurdles, we can all understand the emotions of victory and defeat, making the athletes’ reactions endlessly fascinating.
I cringe when reporters ask athletes how they feel immediately after events because the athletes often struggle to articulate their emotions. Yet, understanding their feelings can be gleaned from their interactions with others post-competition, including fellow competitors, coaches, family, and friends.
This year witnessed instances of poor sportsmanship, such as when the top-ranked tennis player, Iga Swiatek of Poland, refused to shake hands with the umpire or partake in post-match interviews after losing her match to China’s Qinwen Zheng.
However, there were also moments of grace, like when Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles showed respect to Rebeca Andrade of Brazil during the medal ceremony for the women’s gymnastics floor event.
Unforeseen moments occurred, like when U.S. sprinter Noah Lyles, known for his arrogant demeanor pre-race, displayed genuine humility after winning the 100-meter sprint by a margin of 0.005 seconds.
The most memorable moment for me was the finish of the men’s 1,500-meter race. The focus was on the favorites, Jakob Ingebrigtsen of Norway and Scottish runner Josh Kerr, who exuded confidence before the race. Ingebrigtsen led for most of the race until Kerr surpassed him in the final stretch. However, American Cole Hocker surged past Kerr near the finish line, an unexpected outcome.
The reactions post-event do not always align with pre-race behavior. Bold statements may be a way to boost confidence, which is challenging to maintain against top competitors. The line between confidence and arrogance is thin.
After the race, Kerr expressed pride in his performance, stating, “I focused on my controllables. I ran the best and fastest tactical 1,500 meters of my life.” Despite not achieving his desired outcome, he seemed genuinely content with his effort.
The distinction between performance and outcome is crucial, often overlooked in moments of triumph or defeat. Gracious winners and losers acknowledge this, focusing on their performance as the key to maintaining emotional intensity over time, a concept well understood by elite athletes who have experienced numerous disappointments in their careers.
Out of the 1,810 athletes who competed in this year’s Olympics, the majority, despite being top athletes in their respective nations, ended their experience with a loss.
Competition, be it athletic or otherwise, follows a similar pattern. The National Spelling Bee, involving 11 million students annually, results in only six winners. For the rest, the final experience is usually a mistake.
Life mirrors this reality. While entering challenges with a winning mindset is essential, accepting defeat when it occurs is equally important.
Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher, offers valuable advice on handling outcomes beyond our control while focusing on actions we can influence, emphasizing the importance of each moment and effort in achieving success.
He states, “Whenever you face difficulty, pleasure, or recognition, remember that the competition is now, and you are at the Olympic games; you cannot delay any longer; your progress is determined by a single day or action.”
Watching the Olympics serves as a reminder that significant achievements require time and dedication, with success often hinging on a few critical moments. While we may not always control these moments, our focus and effort in every instance are within our power. The competition is happening now.
