Throughout history, we’ve seen the Olympics as a way to set aside our differences – political or otherwise – and come together in the name of sportsmanship and humanity.
Ideally, the Games would feature only the brightest moments of the world.
Even for a couple weeks, though, it’s difficult to exclude all the challenges that come with a global pandemic and political upheaval.
Instead, perhaps more than ever before, it feels like the Olympics have been a perfect reflection of the world around them.
We’ve seen a number of athletes drop out of competition after testing positive for COVID-19 or being exposed to the virus.
Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya made headlines not for her time, but for seeking asylum from her country’s oppressive dictatorship after being threatened in Tokyo.
No matter how insulated the Olympics bubble is, it isn’t entirely sealed off from the world around it.
But, with some of the ugliness that has seeped in, there has also been a whole lot of good.
Of course, we all know Simone Biles’ story.
After withdrawing from most events to address her own mental health concerns, she continued to train with and support her teammates in their performances.
MyKayla Skinner, who replaced her in the vault, said she had no doubt that Biles’ voice would be the loudest in the gym throughout her routine.
The next day, while Jade Carey nailed her floor routine, the sound of Biles screaming “Let’s go, Jade!” often tuned out the music.
Along with her American teammates, countless young women were inspired by Biles to prioritize their own health and reminded that they are worth more than just their accomplishments.
Gold medalist Nastia Liukin said it best in her thank you letter addressed to Simone:
“No one will be remembered for any single routine, competition or medal. You, however, will undeniably be remembered by many for the compassion and bravery shown here in Tokyo.”
Maybe it’s because we’ve all been bonded by a wild year and a half, but it feels like there have been many acts of compassion throughout these Olympics.
American runner Isaiah Jewett said it’s the true mark of a “hero.”
When he tangled up with Botswanan Nijel Amos during a semifinal heat for the 800 meter race, both went tumbling down. They helped each other up and finished together, almost a minute behind the rest of the pack.
Amos was reinstated into the final, but Jewett was not.
Still, Jewett said he was content with the outcome. Along with finishing, he said the most important thing was to “show (his) humanity.”
Kindness and friendship shone through during the men’s high jump, too.
Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy and Mutaz Barshim of Qatar were approaching a jump-off after stalling at the same height.
Instead, they decided to settle for two gold medals – one for each of them.
Tamberi said it was an easy decision. If he deserved gold, then Barshim did too.
Plus, Barshim is one of his best friends off the track.
He said the only thing more “magical” than standing at the top of the podium was sharing it with his friend.
Maybe it is a little easier to focus on the positive at the Olympics than in the normal world.
But no matter how much bad, there will still be people who are committed to kindness and actions driven by empathy.
Even once the Olympics are over, I’m going to keep looking out for them.
–Kayleen Petrovia is a reporter for the Journal-Tribune.