Cheering for the underdogs

Well, the Olympics are over and personally, I’m exhausted. As always, it was a thrill-ride. 

But while the media was caught up in the medal count, I’ve never really cared.  Okay, yes, I do cheer loudly when Canada kicks some serious … you know.  However, it’s the athletes’ stories that interested me.

As always, there were a few bad apples to spoil the smorgasbord of greatness. And I’m not even talking about that awful Arm & Hammer-like logo on the breast of the American team’s uniform. 

No, my heart broke for the South Korean fencer, Shin A Lam, who lost a bout because a timing clock got stuck, giving her opponent extra time to get touches on Shin.

I was disgusted by the boxing referee who so badly bungled a match by declaring the wrong winner that he was expelled for the rest of the games. 

Ironically, the controversy over the U.S./Canada soccer match went right over the heads of the American press. 

But they did note the attempts at game-fixing by the badminton players from China, South Korea and Indonesia who tried to lose their round-robin matches in order to get easier opponents in later rounds. 

What would bring athletes who give up so much to compete for their country to take the easy way out? 

What pressure do they face at home politically, economically or personally that makes them feel they must win at all costs?

That’s why I love the underdog. They compete with the support of those who care about them without all the expectations of those who do not. 

I’m happy for fishboy Michael Phelps and his golden Olympic milestone. But I’m prouder of Canada’s gymnastic team who ranked fifth – Canada’s best showing ever.

I cried when Kayla Harrison overcame her past – a former coach who sexually abused her as a child and a desire to quit her sport – in order to win gold.

South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius made history as the first double-amputee to compete.  No surprise, he came last in the semi-final. But first place’s Kirani James of Grenada swapped name bibs with him after the race.

Not even the sports commentators knew who Damian Warner was. Yet the London, Ontario student finished fifth in the decathlon after posting six personal bests in the competition.

And finally, my two favourites: Sarah Attar of Saudi Arabia who finished last in the 800-metre preliminaries and Noor Hussain Al-Malki of Qatar who didn’t even finish the 100-metre. 

Both were the first female Olympians from their countries. And spectators recognized this with standing ovations for breaking barriers we could never possibly understand.

A few weeks ago while walking my dog, I found myself following a unique path.

It was marked the “Tour de Grace.”  Photos and captions of this Grace’s entire life marked the route. 

Someone was cheering for all her milestones. And I found myself cheering her on, too. 

Because it’s not about the finish line or the medal standings.  It’s about the journey and how it shapes you.

The underdog understands this. 

Because the underdog is still enjoying the ride.