Reflections on Olympians & the power of the body

“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

You know, it is amazing to see what the human body is capable of; it both gives me hope and makes me realize that I need to move more! 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 truly important.

Our “Team USA” will make us very proud, I am sure, as they strive to be their perfect best in the days and weeks ahead during these Summer Olympic Games. When I read their personal stories, I find most have an impressive record of helping others, which is not surprising.

Who among us reading this column (I dare say there are no Olympic athletes among my readers!) have not critiqued the athletes we send to represent us every four years in both the summer and winter games primarily 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, 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 during the last summer games 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 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. And, happily, Simone is back in good form and I look forward to watching her represent us!

I will enjoy watching the Olympic athletes this year more than usual, perhaps in part because they endured intense and rigorous training expecting to compete in 2020 and for some this may be their last competitive opportunity. The pandemic caused quite a break in the athletes’ training and competition schedules and hopefully they have recovered their balance.

We will witness a display of human physical and mental triumph the next 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 U.S. through exercise, proper nutrition, community responsibility, and the perfection of helping others. Go Team!

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.