Last weekend, I found myself talking about the Olympics with my son, who has autism. We talked about several events and athletes, but what really got his attention was the individual who runs on blades, Oscar Pistorius. Since Jimmy competes each year in the Maryland Special Olympics, we talked about the upcoming Paralympics in which Oscar will be running. It was fun talking with Jimmy about Oscar the person, his family, and his character.
Throughout the London Olympics, embracing and respecting diversity were common themes. London and its history had a lot to do with this. Likewise, key decisions by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and certain competing countries were pivotal as well. In all, diversity and inclusion made the Olympics that much more competitive and interesting.
Among the highlights:
London, the host city, has a large immigrant, international population to say the least. Inhabitants of London originate from more than 170 countries and speak more than 300 languages.
Sarah Attar was the first female to ever represent Saudi Arabia at the Olympics. Her inclusion was only possible because Saudis ended their policy of sending only men.
This was the first time that every country competing in the Olympics had at least one woman. Three nations, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, sent female athletes to compete for the first time.
With their inclusion in boxing, women now compete in every Olympic sport.
U.S. gymnast Gabby Douglas became the first all-around women’s gymnast champion who also happens to be African American.
South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius was the first double-amputee runner to compete in the Olympics.
Megan Rapinoe, a member of the U.S. women’s soccer team, was the first prominent American soccer player to publicly announce she is gay, and she did so days before the start of the London Olympics.
The first world record went to Im Dong-hyun, an archer from South Korea who happens to be legally blind.
The stories behind these athletes and others were all the more diverse and interesting. I have often viewed Special Olympic athletes as role models for the rest of us. Well, the same thing could be said of these athletes. What was refreshing was the manner in which all of them carried themselves and supported each other. They exuded class and grace. They didn’t dwell on their differences, the media did. And they were extremely grateful for the opportunity to compete and represent their countries.