By SHARON McMAHON
Be Well
“Remember this. Hold on to this. This is the only perfection there is, the perfection of helping others. This is the only thing we can do that has any lasting meaning. This is why we’re here.” – Andre Agassi
I am not sure why I have watched more Summer Olympics this year than usual; maybe I just wanted to see that in spite of all that is going wrong in the world there are those with optimism and courage who stay true to their dreams. It is amazing to see what the human body is capable of; it both gives me hope and also makes me realize that I need to move more!
There have been quite a few inspirational quotes and ideas shared by the Olympic athletes during these troubled Covid times. And although I am not necessarily a “tennis buff” I found that this quote by Agassi says really everything there is to say about striving for perfection and what is really important.
Who among us reading this article (I dare say there are no Olympic athletes among my readers!) have not critiqued the athletes we have witnessed the past few weeks – and others – because we are expecting physical “perfection” from their performances? Guilty as charged here! Of course, we want our USA athletes to do well – to “bring home the gold” for our country! We cheer them on, we are dismayed when they do not medal, or do not win the color of medal we want! Yes, we “armchair athletes” are pretty good at it!
Simone Biles made a historic and controversial decision to withdraw from several of the gymnastics exercises, and in doing so created much discussion around the topic of mental health and expectations that these athletes experience. Whether you agree or disagree with her decision in that regard is personal, of course, but I really believe that she might have been badly physically injured otherwise – a bad fall from the vaults, bars, and beams that the athletes use could have caused permanent damage if she did not have the confidence to complete her rotations. The pressure and quest for perfection, whether in a physical competition, academia, relationship or professional capacity can create chronic stress, physical and mental health issues which must be recognized and possibly treated.
I have enjoyed watching the Olympic athletes this year more than usual, perhaps in part because they have endured intense and rigorous training expecting to compete in 2020, and for some, this may be their last competitive opportunity. Some, myself included, have wondered whether it was wise to continue the Olympic competition during a pandemic, and I am not sure anyone has the definitive answer to that.
However – we have watched a display of human physical and mental triumph the past few weeks as we marvel at what the human body can do under circumstances that most of us can only imagine. Don’t forget that the Paralympics are coming up soon which illustrates even more what focus, drive, and dedication can do – I doubt the word “disability” would ring true for any of them! Additionally, don’t forget that we also have the “Senior Olympics” – so no excuses for any of us! Ready to begin training?
Back to my quote at the beginning of the article: A win, a medal, recognition, etc. – all wonderful achievements. While we all cannot become Olympic athletes, we can all be the best US through exercise, proper nutrition, community responsibility, and the perfection of helping others.
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.