Every four years at this time of year I become an even larger consumer of sports. It’s this time frame that all nations of the world gather together to get it on in sports. As a guy that loves to learn about other cultures, besides traveling to each of these countries the Olympics are the next best thing. I get to see athletes compete that I would otherwise have never known or seen because they don’t play on my tv stations here in the States.

These athletes are at the apex of their chosen profession, although unlike the teams in the States, there is no end of season championship. For those international athletes, this is their championship if they medal. It’s a beautiful thing to see the lone delegate from a remote country possibly win a well deserved medal for their years of hard work.

Even though I was born and raised here, I have ties to several countries through family/friends, and I root hard for those countries as well (and what I’m not here to be a homer, still love the US though haha). As I said before when you don’t get to see other countries and athletes often, you’re more in-tuned to open your mind.

I love to see the best of the best go at each other and see who will come out on top. Often times it’s the countries that send several hundred athletes that win the most medals. Yet there is the story of the Syrian refugee swimmer, Yusra Mardini, who escaped from the war that was ravaging her country to swim in these Olympic games. She may not have won a medal, but she won something much more important freedom, and eternal respect from the world as she, and her sister swam the boat they were carried in for three hours (most of us cant carry groceries for three steps before we give up).

That is the essence of what these games are about and what athletes are willing to do to not only reach the Olympics but to also rep their country.

I’m going to return my attention to the games and again feel the sense of intrigue and pride.

That’s My Word!!!!!!

BY TIRONE JEFFERSON “Sports from the Street