Good evening, educators, readers and writers:
In a few short days, the 2008 Olympic Games will be over. The games will become part of Olympic history. Many men and women from around the world would have competed, won and lost. For the most part, it would seem that the Olympics only showcases two countries - the old superpower (US) and the new superpower (China). Since the start of the games, these two countries have been battling it out for athletic dominance. In terms of medals, we have been beaten resoundingly by China for gold. But we have won in places where it counts the most, most notably in swimming (Thank you, Michael Phelps!)
What can studets learn from the Olympics? Many lessons, indeed. For one, the need to keep practicing your craft. To use Phelps as an example again, do you think he just sits around waiting for the next Olympics? No!!! He trains - a lot. Every day, for several hours each day. That takes dicipline, fortitude and stamina. Students take away from this with the lesson of working hard will bring success. Practice makes perfect - Michael's 8 gold medals are proof of that.
What else can students learn? Another example is teamwork. Look at our men's basketball team, our men's and women's beach volleyball teams and our women's soccer team. They didn't win the medals they currently have by thinking about themselves. It was a team mindset. Team goals. Individualism has no place when you're working as one cohesive unit.
Finally, the last lesson to learn is knowledge. You can't just practice your craft = you must know your craft. The athletes know themselves, their bodies and their sport. They read and study the latest information that can help them reach their goals. They eat right, exercise and listen to their coaches. They meet with doctors and trainers. They know their limits and are constantly researching ways to get around them. If you want to be the best at something, you need to understand it inside and out.
