A True Olympian
Recognize this female Canadian athlete? Probably not, since she didn't win a medal or anything. Who is she? She is Paula Findlay, and she competed in the triathlon Friday. This is a picture of her just after she crossed the finish line. She is also my new hero.
I think she is also an example of a true Olympian. No, she didn't win a medal. In fact, she came in 52nd in the triathlon. A.K.A., last place. Why do I think she's a true Olympian? Because despite having a nasty injury that still wasn't fully healed, she competed. Despite not having been in an actual competition, she competed. Despite having to switch coaches just weeks before the games started, she competed. Despite being in 46th place at the start of the racing portion, she finished the event. Despite nearly giving up after one lap, she finished. Despite being passed by the other athletes and coming in 12 minutes after the winner crossed the finish line (which, may I remind you, was a photo-finish the race was so close), she finished.
Despite all the pain, despite being last, despite being in tears while running the last lap, she finished the race. And do you know what she did afterwards? She apologized to the country for her poor performance. On live TV. Yes, people may say it's the medals which are the mark of a true Olympian, but I say a true Olympian has the guts and determination to finish whatever event they start, even if it means coming in dead last. Medals are just a bonus.
Paula Findlay, you are a true Olympian and my hero. Never feel like you need to apologize for your actions again, because you don't need to. You did your best, and that's all that matters to me.