Glimpse into the Soul of an Olympian
See post below for full story. (Damn you WordPress for not letting me write the post the way I wanted to!)
Yesterday, Felix Sanchez, of the Domincan Republic won the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles. For a small Caribbean nation, this is justification for a huge day of national celebration. But, there is so much more to Felix Sanchez.
Sanchez, a decorated athlete and 2004 gold medalist, failed to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics event final. During preliminary competition, he received news that his beloved abuela had passed away. Distraught, he competed, but his mind, and heart were with his family.
Four years later, Sanchez, once again in the finals for the 400-meter hurdles, carried a photo of his abuela with him. Seeing him run, I got the sense that he was propelled by an otherworldly energy and joy. I knew his grandmother was right beside him, encouraging him to be his best. And, on that day, he was the best athlete.
But, what made this a moment I would never forget, was Sanchez’s reaction during the medal ceremony. Once the hymn of the Dominican Republic began to play, he was overcome with emotion. As the music reached its crescendo, he was openly sobbing and I cried right along with him, and for him. A moment filled with so much joy, but bittersweet, because he would never share it with this grandmother.
Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that the Olympics should transcend sport and bring us closer together, through our shared humanity.
Reading, Drinking and Dancing with a Chaser of Snark 