LIKE so many others, I was glued to the television watching the opening of Beijing Olympic Games 2008. The over three-hour spectacle comfortably made its way into Olympic folklore with an astounding fusion of technology and cultural showmanship.
It was reported that more than one billion people approximately 15 per cent of the worlds population watched the opening ceremony. After seven years of preparation, it was clear that the Chinese not only managed to uphold but also set the bar higher for the continued legacy of the worlds ultimate sporting event. The total cost of the Beijing 2008 is estimated at over US$40 billion (RM128 billion).
A friend who was in Beijing made sense of this astronomical sum when he related, confessing his amazement, at the standard of the opening ceremony. The sentiment was not limited to the unbelievable infrastructural feats such as the bubble inspired swimming complex and ceilings made up of LCD screens, but more so in terms of the superlative level of services and hospitality of the host country.
What makes the Olympics such a top draw in our eyes? When sportsmen and women of the 204 participating countries stepped onto the track of the Birds Nest stadium, there were many proud countrymen and citizens of the world applauding them. Like many Malaysians, when cyclist Azizul Pocket Rocket Hasni Awang appeared on the television screen, I felt a great sense of pride. Naturally, we hope for medals to commemorate their performances, but mere representation at sports highest platform as an Olympian is reason enough to celebrate.
For us, the sight of our Malaysian contingent striding out together, waving the Jalur Gemilang may have evoked a different set of emotions compared with citizens of other countries. As we approach our 51st anniversary of nationhood, the Olympics is a much-needed platform and reminder of that crucial element of unity between the different ethnic compositions of Malaysia.
In a week where the Bar Council debacle dominated the domestic news cycle, the Malaysian Olympics contingent gave us a glimpse of our potential strength in diversity. I would argue that it remains the single most effective rallying point for unity for Malaysians. The purity of support, even if temporary and just on special occasions, transcends the boundaries that have somewhat dictated the national conversation.
Imagine the collective voices of jubilation if one of our own athletes can emulate the success of Australian gold medal winner Cathy Freeman in Sydney 2000. Can we forget the emotional scenes that accompanied the participation of the first aboriginal athlete in the Olympics? For that brief moment in time, politics froze, differences vanished and a nation stood united under one flag, singing one anthem.
The Olympics can also inspire us on an individual level. The abstract but often quoted Olympian spirit is a key highlight of all the summer games.
Britains Derek Redmond perhaps best captures this Olympian spirit. In the Barcelona 1992 Games, Redmond tore his right hamstring and fell. He refused medical attention but managed to complete the race assisted by his father. The entire stadium greeted his courage and commitment with a standing ovation.
This spirit is embodied in all Olympians. The courage to engage and overcome the mental struggle required for moving up to the next level. It is the self-discipline, the determination and the will to overcome challenges and perceived impossibilities.
I believe the Olympian spirit is inherent in all of us. In a related but separate occasion, I went to Port Dickson to see my brother participate in a triathlon. The turnout was incredible. They came in all ages and shapes to compete. The first question that came to my mind was what prompted these people to wake up at 6am on Sunday and make their way to PD to swim, run and cycle.
I believe it is the strength and courage to challenge our limitations and further our horizons traits that must be replicated. A significant percentage of the participants in the PD triathlon will never hold a medal aloft on a podium, but their willingness to participate, to overcome whatever mental hurdles, is an act of pure courage that illustrates that there is an Olympian waiting to be brought out in each and every one of us.
There is more to life than winning.
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