Sport Still Making Me Go All Gooey!

"Sochi"You won’t have to know me long before you find out that sport pushed my buttons. As the 2014 Winter Olympics came to a close, I found my buttons suitably pushed, and here’s why…

The picture is from the closing ceremony, when the designers gave a nod to the fact that one of the rings in the opening ceremony hadn’t opened. That put a smile on my face, which was the intention. Throw in that fact that the rings were made from performers wearing sparkly sequins, and you’ve got me!

Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee gave another great speech, making very deliberate remarks about the example being set by the athletes, examples of hard work and dedication, engagement and respect for others, and that how politicians could learn more than thing or two.

It’s easy to say that things are different in the real world, and the unsmiling face of Vladimir Putin in his seat certainly gave a counter balance. I’ve said it many times before though, and I’ll say it again now, I believe it’s a choice as to what attitude we take…

You can choose to take the negative road, moaning and blaming, or you can choose to take the positive road, hopeful and taking responsibility. If you’re reading this, you are more likely than not living in a country that offers amazing opportunity.

That opportunity might be to start your own business, to indulge your passions, to move where you want, to say what you want, and yes, the opportunity to pursue sport.

That may come in the form of setting out for an Olympic medal, or it may just be the health benefits of regular sport. The social aspect of sport is amazing, it can bring people together from different life circles who might not come together otherwise.

Sport has also provided employment for millions for many many decades, and it will continue to do so.

For some people, sport leaves them totally cold – no interest whatsoever, and no understanding of what it can bring to others. That’s fine, we all like different things, but there’s a big part of me that wants to scream about what they’re missing out on!

Back to the closing ceremony – the host country usually displays its’ cultural heritage, and so we had books, music, ballet, all ‘button pushers’ for many people, and I include myself in that. I love anything which stirs passion in people, that can bring people together, bringing an emotional connection which might not be available otherwise.

Politicians often do a terrible job of bringing people together, but when you play sport with a stranger, or enjoy watching or discussing sport with a stranger, you can learn way more about them and their culture than the politicians can ever hope to offer.

Don’t get me wrong, sport is not immune from politics – it’s full of it! It can be as divisive and frustrating as in other walks of life, but as the new head of the IOC, Bach gave two speeches which spoke more than any of his predecessor’s, in my view.

He summed up great principles that sport shines a full spotlight on, that can be used in any field of life, I mentioned them earlier, and they’re worth going over again – commitment, hard work, good health and respect for others. That seems like a good mix to me!

Sport has given me gooeyness for decades. In fact one of my earliest memories is a sporting one from 1974, when I told my father to be quiet so I could hear the world cup final on TV. That episode didn’t end particularly well as it happens, but 40 years later, my buttons are still being pushed by some sequins and some medals!

Did you watch the Winter Olympics? What was your favourite moment, do let me know!

‘Til Next Time,
Health & Hapiness,
Gordon
P.S. Don’t forget you can get my guide all about how to Make Money From Sport!
P.P.S. The ideals shown in sport are featured all through my motivational book ‘Transform Your Life in 21 Days!’

Do leave a comment!

Leave a Reply to Michelle Liew X

6 Comments

    • Funnily enough, I find hockey one of the least enjoyable, as I simply can’t follow the movement of the puck enough! 😉 It sure gets the Canadians, US, Russians etc going though!

    • did you not get any coverage at all? Sports politcis aside, I think sportsmen can be the best ambassadors for their countries and cultures – way more than government politicians can!
      Cheers,
      Gordon

  • A brilliant summation Gordon. I too am a great believer in the power of sport. The Games were terrific and it’s too difficult to pick one moment, however, in the spirit of your comments, I love the fact that an Aussie boy years ago suggested to the IOC to change the closing format, allowing all the athletes to come into the stadium together. A real show of humanity at its best. Can’t wait to Pyeong Chang in 2018.

    • Hi Jane,
      I was also struck by that fact – and also struck by the fact that the IOC acted on it! 😉
      I like the fact that we had oldest winners, youngest winners, the most medalled male and female athletes, plus the introduction of women’s ski jump!
      Cheers,
      Gordon