As we reflect back on the amazing 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, there is no question-- competition is healthy. Competition lends itself to teamwork, respect for others and team spirit. The 2010 Vancouver games showcased both moments of triumph, coupled with moments of sadness.
A veil of sadness hung over the opening ceremonies after young Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, just 21 years old, was killed during a training run, hours before the festivities. Some of his teammates stayed in the games and raced in his honor. The result of this tragedy forced the International Olympic Committee to look at the safety of the course and make adjustments.
We as Americans, had so much to be proud of with the highest medal count of 37, nine of them gold, fifteen silver and thirteen bronze. Amongst those Gold Medalists, Lindsey Vonn, an American Alpine Ski Racer who was the first American woman to win the gold medal in downhill. Even more triumphant, was overcoming a shin injury and “striking gold” at the bottom of the mountain! Vonn also took a bronze medal in the super-G. Fellow alpine ski racer, Bode Miller also won a gold medal in the super combined. He flourished as America’s most decorated olympic alpine skier and also won a silver medal in the super-G and a bronze medal in the downhill. American skier Hannah Kearney won the first U.S. gold medal at the 2010 winter olympics
Speed skater Shani Davis won the gold medal in the 1,000 meters making up, in his opinion, for winning a silver four years ago in Turin. Teammate Apolo Ohno got the bronze in the short track, making him the most decorated U.S. winter olympian in history and snow boarder, Shaun White, won a gold in the men’s halfpipe. The U.S. also came out on top with a gold medal win by figure skater, Evan Lysacek, while, Americans Meryl Davis and Charlie White won the second straight olympic silver for the United States in ice dancing.
Steve Holcomb and the “Night Train” team won the first gold medal in the four-man bobsled for the US, ending a drought in 62 years for the team in that sport. Team USA men's and women's hockey teams each took home a silver medal from Vancouver. They held their heads high even though they fell short of their goal for the gold. They exemplified true sportsmanship as they let the host country and gold medalists from Team Canada revel in their victory.
What a healthy message to send to younger generations on “how to be a good sport.” Competition allows you to achieve and aspire to do things you never thought were possible. The olympic competition also allowed us and our families to see firsthand what can be accomplished if you put your mind to it. Competition encourages hard work, dedication and discipline to train to reach higher goals, as well as making us open to constructive criticism so we can be better. It lends itself to celebration and balance, allowing us to recharge for the next race, event or Olympic Games!
Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiancé, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.