Today Show host Matt Lauer carried the Olympic torch 300 yards earlier this week. As he was describing the experience, he said that as the torch was handed off, an Olympic representative reminded torchbearers that the Olympic torch was the single most powerful symbol of world peace today. It was awe-inspiring to Lauer to carry that symbol forth.
In ancient Greek mythology, the god Zeus had grown weary of man, and decided to keep all blessings from mankind until the last mortal and died away. Prometheus, however, was filled with compassion and stole fire from Mount Olympus and gave it to man so he could have the comforts of warmth and light which the fire gave. In thanks for that gift, the Ancient Greek Olympics included a fire that remained lit throughout the games.
To honor that ancient tradition in today’s modern Olympics, eleven women representing the vestal virgins perform a ceremony on Mount Olympus and kindle the fire by using a mirror to concentrate the sun’s rays. The flame is then used to ignite a torch which travels around Greece before being handed off to the host country. To celebrate the citizens of the host country and give them the opportunity to participate, the flame travels far and wide acround the country, with hundreds of torchbearers participating. This year, the torch travelled through more than 1000 communities across Canada in 106 days. The final torchbearer is a tightly kept secret and a great honor; that person symbolically lights the cauldron signalling the official start of the games.
And so, the flame symbolizes the principles of peace, brotherhood and friendship. These principles are revealed in the brotherhood of athletes from around the world gathering in peaceful and friendly competition. Although politics and commercialism surround the games, there are no wars, border squabbles, political parties or alliances within the games. The goal for the athletes is not political; it is simply to do one’s best, to go “faster, higher, stronger”* than previously done. (*the Olympic Motto)
The Olympic Creed displays the same spirit of healthy competition:
“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”
It is this Olympic spirit that draws viewers in. It’s the stories of remarkable sacrifice to simply take part. It’s the personal commitment to do whatever it takes to go faster, higher and stronger. It’s the country rallying around a team, and the team rallying around a team member. It’s the drama of the competition and yes, the pride of standing on that medal stand and hearing your national anthem played.
For me, the spirit of the games is why I watch.
And you? Are you watching the Olympics? What are your thoughts on the Olympic Spirit?
