Michael Phelps keeps finding gold at the Beijing Olympics.
The American swimmer has claimed five gold medals at the summer games so far, and he still has three more events to go.
I think his achievements in the pool are awesome and incredible.
But I also think more attention should be paid to the accomplishments of all the other talented athletes - especially those who don't win medals.
In 1996, my oldest brother, Derrick, competed in the summer games in Atlanta.
He was a Greco-Roman wrestler and 37 years old.
People always ask me what did your brother win?
I proudly tell them that he didn't win a gold - silver or even a bronze medal.
In fact, he came in sixth place at the games.
But what matters most is that it took my brother 20-plus years to accomplish his dream of being an Olympian – and he never gave up. And that, too, is an awesome accomplishment.
My brother taught me that winning a medal really isn't that important - but going after a life-long dream is.
There are hundreds of athletes who will come home medal-less-- but they are still big winners in my book - and they deserve to be celebrated and praised just as much as Michael Phelps.
Comments (1)
Regina,
We met at the Oaklohoma Sports Festival in 1989 and we had so much fun together that derrick told me NOT to touch you. Oh what A CRUSH I had on you.
Troy Owens, Randy Couture and even Tony Thomas knew we liked each other.
America is so hung up on winning medals that they do not know the sacrifices most of us put in. There are many of us that never made to Olympics .
Good to know you are doing good.
Greg
Posted by Greg Pettit | October 4, 2008 3:08 AM
Posted on October 4, 2008 03:08