One of the most remarkable things about the Olympics, to me, is not the talent these athletes possess. Instead, it’s the dedication. Sure, they have skill, but sometimes, as Randy Couture once said, an ordinary person can do extraordinary things. And that’s done with dedication.

If you’ve trained for any athletic event, as an amateur, you can appreciate the time it takes. Now, consider the Olympic athlete. He (and she, of course) has sacrificed his whole life for this moment. Years ago former Olympic taekwondo gold medalist Herb Perez told me that he had no regrets, but he had no life during his pursuit for Olympic gold … except for taekwondo.

So check out the Olympics. Check out 41-year-old swimmer Dara Torres. Check out swimmer Michael Phelps in his quest to shatter Mark Spitz’s remarkable swimming records. And don’t forget judo’s Brian Olson and Rhonda Rousey.

Appreciate their talent but respect the dedication it took for them to get there.  


- Doug J

 

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