Our favourite inspirational moments in Olympic Games history…
Since 1896 (or 776 BC if you want to get really ancient on us), the Olympic Games have been bringing us incredible feats of athleticism, shining examples of why working hard pays off, and raw moments of carrying on through utter despair…all wrapped up in gold, silver, and bronze. Every four years our summers become a bit more sparkly and a bit more exciting, so we thought it would be nice to take a look back at some of the moments in Olympics history that keep us inspired year round!
5 min read
Usain Bolt's lesson in respect
In 2012, Usain Bolt solidified his spot as the world’s fastest man, and won gold in the 100m, running it in just 9.58 seconds. And while that in itself is pretty inspiring stuff, it’s what happened before his 200m race (which he also won gold in, duh) that captured the hearts, and smiles, of millions around the world!
A simple fist bump to acknowledge the race volunteer showed that it’s sometimes the smallest gestures that mean the most. His face is definitely the depiction of pure and utter happiness, and something he’ll remember for years and years to come!
It’s the taking part that counts…
At the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, high jumpers Mutaz Essa Barshim and Gianmarco Tamberi were given a tough decision. Over a gruelling two hour final, both jumpers had a best recorded clearance of 2.37 metres. The option they had was to continue and take part in a jump off, to fight for sole possession of the title. However, the two did something different, and in a moment of sportsmanship, agreed to share the title, splitting a gold medal between them. The first time this had happened in athletics since 1912!
Simone Biles inspires others by protecting herself
2020 was a weird year for a lot of reasons, and many events had to be cancelled or postponed, including the Olympics. And through that year, prioritising your own health became even more important than ever. So, when Olympic gymnastics hero, Simone Biles, decided to drop out of the 2020 games to protect her mental health, after experiencing an immense amount of stress, the world congratulated her.
She showed that doing what’s best for you, even if it might not be what other people would do, is absolutely the best thing. And that resting your mind is just as crucial as resting your body!
“Walking away from the Olympic Games was a win in itself. I know a lot of people thought I failed because they expected me to go out with five or six medals, but walking out of it was my biggest win.”
Paving the way for greatness…
Speaking of gymnastics, you’d think that what we see in these events today – the wild flips, the fantastic flair, the breath-defying stunts – have been the way from the get go. But that’s not the case. Someone had to pave the way. And that someone was a 17 year old Russian competitor named Olga Korbut, in the 1972 Munich games.
Watching this in 2024, you might not think it’s that big of a deal, compared to the routines we see nowadays, but, her backwards flip was the first time anyone had ever done that on a beam before! Until then, the beam was about ballet like moves, and not spectacle stunts.
So it just goes to show, doing something out of your - or someone else’s - comfort zone could quite literally change the world! So don’t be afraid to push yourself, try something new, and see what happens because of it. And it doesn’t have to be Olympic gymnast level, it could just be facing your anxiety and going on one of our away from home experiences on your own, and making a whole group of new mates 👀 Sign up here!
We’re all in this together…
Sure, the Olympics are all about smashing personal bests, reaching for gold and seeing just how far you can push yourself as an elite athlete. But, they’re also a place for teamwork, uniting together, and beating the odds. Even when you’re not competing for the same country. Take what happened to New Zealander, Nikki Hamblin, and American, Abbey D’Agostino in the Rio 2016 games.
During the 5000 metre race, Nikki took a tumble. Then Abbey got caught up in it and was also on the floor. Abbey managed to get up, but rather than speeding off, she stopped and helped Nikki back to her feet too.
But it didn’t stop there.
The race continued, but Abbey soon realised her leg was badly twisted. And, to repay the kindness from before, this time Nikki stopped, stayed by Abbey’s side, and the two finished the race together. Two different countries, one same goal: finish the race no matter what!
And because of this, they were awarded the International Fair Play Committee Award, by the International Olympic Committee for epitomising the Olympic values of fair play and sportsmanship!
Stand up for what you believe in…
While the International Olympic Committee says the games are not meant to be political, athletes have frequently used the Olympics to make statements. And one of the most powerful statements happened during the height of the civil rights movement in the United States.
At the 1968 Mexico City games, after winning gold and bronze medals in the 200 metre race, Black American athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, stood on the winners podium and staged a non violent protest against the systemic oppression of Black people in the US.
As the national anthem played, they turned to the US flag and raised their fists in a Black power salute, each wearing one black glove to represent Black power and Black unity. They also wore no shoes, but black socks, to represent Black poverty. And scarves and beads around their necks to oppose lynchings.
And whilst their silent demonstration had consequences for them individually – within hours they were condemned by the International Olympic Committee and two days later were suspended from the US team and sent home – their statement meant so much more to hundreds of thousands of people.
Because when you stand up for something you believe in, especially in the face of hate, you truly grow your strengths, inspire other people to believe in themselves and in the things that matter to them, and make an impact.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos were able to transcend sports and make history, simply by standing still…imagine what you could do by taking a step.
Want to see what you’re made of? Why not go on one of our once-in-a-lifetime away from home experiences? Check them out, and more!
