Cecelia FranciscoWhat better a way to show how peaceful the world could be than the 2004 Olympic games. Before the games started many were concerned about terrorist attacks. These concerns may have affected the ticket sales, but it didn’t affect the spirit of the athletes that were competing.
The opening ceremony, although long at times, brought the best of all nations to one stadium. I’m not really sure why we can all get along at the Olympics, but can’t seem to get along any other time. Maybe if diplomacy revolved around a swimming meet or a beach volleyball game the world would be a better place.
The Iraqi soccer team proved to be a fighting-force in the world of soccer and the USA women’s soccer team captured gold once again. U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps set the standard high for the other athletes competing in swimming. Even though Phelps was just shy of reaching his goal to surpass Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals, I think he showed great sportsmanship when he stepped aside in the men’s 400 medley relay, allowing another teammate to help capture the gold medal.
I think that if every country in the world could set aside their differences for two weeks of friendly sports competition, then we should be able to settle our differences over religion, politics and land. I guess it’s easier said then done, but I think if leaders were to really think about it, they would realize it makes some sense.
Published to the web by Cecelia Francisco
