The current Olympic motto is “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter,” which means “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together” in Latin. This updated motto was adopted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in July 2021 to emphasize solidarity and unity in a challenging world.
One hundred nine days from the day I am writing this column … to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Normally those of us of a certain age are not looking forward to time passing more quickly, but in this case I am doing so!
I am a strong fan of all the Olympic Games, although the winter games for some reason are more exciting to me and I watch/record as many of the events as I can. The strength, the commitment, the resilience that is required for the athletes to even complete their Olympic trials to be considered for a place on a team is beyond what most of us can imagine. I am pleased that the Olympic committee added an addendum to the original motto coined by French Dominican friar Louis Henri Didon. The recently added (2021) word “together” resounds in this divided world of ours today and gives us some measure of hope – I hope!
Although I enjoy most all the Winter Olympic events, some stand out as my favorites and maybe yours as well. Skating – of all types: figure, ice dancing and speed. Although my skating days are past me now, in days past I could cut a pretty good figure eight and stay on my feet! (You never know… those skates are still hanging on a peg in the garage!) Skiing – again all events: freestyle, slalom, Alpine and cross country. And again, sigh, the days of downhill skiing have passed although cross country is a love which, hopefully, I can continue for some time. If you are interested in trying you might consider “snowshoeing” as a way to get started and build up stamina. Snowboarding, on the other hand, may be best left to the young!
The bobsleigh and luge are exciting to watch as well, although to me I think of those participants having that same “risk DNA” that I imagine for mountain climbers and bungee jumpers! I was curious about curling and have found that I enjoy watching the coordination and concentration that event entails.
As I have mentioned in previous columns, one thing we ALL have in common with these Olympians is that we all must stretch to maintain our flexibility and balance. Without it, you will not be able to perform to your maximum abilities whether that is downhill skiing or walking across the parking lot. Note: the Flex Ability class at the Noblesville Library runs through Tuesday, Nov. 18 and there is no cost. You may register at hamiltoneastpl.org.
The 2026 Winter Olympics is a massive international phenomenon which draws 3,500 athletes from 93 countries and will result in 195 medals. The upcoming Paralympics, March 6 to 15, 2026, will also show how strong the human spirit is when it comes to moving our bodies and working toward our goals despite physical challenges. Just a couple of the events will include wheelchair curling and para ice hockey. The Special Olympics will take place June 20 to 26 in Minneapolis and will showcase many sports including basketball, gymnastics, and swimming among others.
Let’s allow ourselves to marvel at the grit, determination, and attitudes of these amazing athletes. Let’s allow ourselves to be inspired and motivated to move to the best of our abilities and never give up. Bring it on.
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.