Maintain Olympic spirit

In this Olympic year, we thrill to the exploits of the men and women of the United States as they strive for glory in that greatest of sporting showcases. We find it truly inspirational to see the youth of this world compete over a volleyball net, a race track, or a piece of gymastics apparatus rather than a war zone.

Perhaps inwardly we also enjoy watching the athletes of other nations stumble, slip, or otherwise perform less than their best and so open the door for the American competitor. Such Jingoism is understandable in other sports venues, but not in the Olympics.

When the French Baron Pierre de Coubertin proposed reviving the ancient Olympic Games of Greece in the modern era, he had in mind something more glorious than the competition between city states. He saw his Olympic movement as a means to contribute to a peaceful and better world.

His idea to bring athletes of all nations together was an experiment in cultural exchange. He wanted to educate youth through sport without discrimination of any kind, with a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play.

Yes, we enjoy seeing men and women from our own country stand on the top step of the podium, struggling to maintain composure while singing along with our national anthem. But we should be equally proud to see our athletes extend congratulations to the victor, who might not even understand English.

As we continue to watch the Olympics, let us keep that Olympic spirit in mind. Already during these Games we have seen the antithesis of that spirit, in the murder of a coach's family and the military action in the Republic of Georgia.

We saw those acts as totally inconsistent with the Olympics that were taking place at the time. And if we can think that way for 16 days in August, why not the other 349 days during the year?