I love the Olympic movement. It resonates with my work for a better world. For two weeks, we humans set aside our conflicts and prejudices and attempt to express a higher humanity. We celebrate our competitors’ successes and mourn their losses. Every Olympics has moments that all of us can identify with. Even though the London Games are just a few days old, I’ve already found several moments worth celebrating. Here are five:

Legally Blind Archer Sets World Record

Im Dong-hyun of South Korea is legally blind—he has 20% vision in his right eye, and his left is even worse. Amazingly, he doesn’t use corrective lenses in competition, where the bullseye is three quarters of a football field away. He describes his view of the target as, “…colors with blurred lines between them.” Friday, he set a new world record in the 72-arrow competition with a score of 699. Amazing.

Deaf Drummer Leads “Isles of Wonder” Opener

World class percussionist, Dame Evelyn Glennie of Scotland has been deaf since the age of 11. Her performance in the opening ceremonies was spectacular. She describes hearing as a “specialized form of touch” and is even able to distinguish notes by how she feels them. “…low sounds  she feels mainly in her legs and feet, while she feels high sounds on her face, neck and chest… She often plays barefoot in order to feel the music better.” Amazing. 

Paraplegic Sprinter

Oscar Pistorius will compete for South Africa in the men’s 400m and 4x400m relay at the track and field events in London’s Olympic Stadium. Pistorius is no stranger to international competition. He’s already won gold in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events—at the Paralympics. He’s a double amputee, nicknamed ‘Bladerunner’ after the prosthetic blades he wears to compete. This year, despite baseless claims that his blades give him unfair advantage, Oscar Pistorius will compete against able-bodied athletes, proving he is one of the best in the world. Amazing.

Overcoming Fear with Scripture

After qualifying for the individual all-around competition, the interviewer asked Gabby Douglas how she deals with the pressure. I absolutely loved hearing her say that she meditates on scripture…  Amazing.

Grace in Defeat

She’s trained daily since she was six years old. She’s the reigning world champion. And due to a quirk in the Olympic rules, (that many are once again calling into question), Jordyn Weiber won’t be competing for the All Around gold medal. Visibly heartbroken, Wieber dug deep and found the strength and character to congratulate her teammates, “It has always been a dream of mine to compete in the all-around final of the Olympics, but I'm proud of Aly and Gabby and happy that they reached the all-around and that I was able to help the team get into finals.” Now that is world class. Amazing.

You Have Permission…

As I watch all these examples go across my screen, I'm inspired by these athletes' dedication. And, to be honest, I have question myself. It's been a while since I've gotten up at 5:30 a.m. so I could become the best I can be. Yet at the same time, these athletes give me permission to overcome my own limitations, and reach for more. I'm looking forward to the rest of the Games!

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