Golden Moments

The 2008 Summer Olympics have been more than just an entertaining athletic competition to watch.
The games, as they are every four years for me, are a renewal of faith and hope in the human race.
Michael Phelps, the winner of eight gold medals in swimming, has garnered the most attention. As well he should. He took the Olympics by storm and his close relationship with his mother and his low-key, humble approach to life are traits to emulate. You can hear the youngsters at summer swim lessons across the country saying they want to be like Michael Phelps.
However, there are many other admirable athletes at these games.
The United States women’s gymnastics team demonstrated impeccable grace after barely losing the gold medal. Shawn Johnson getting silver after silver in the individual events before finally grabbing a gold on the balance beam.
Dara Torres, the 41-year-old American swimmer, who nabbed a couple silver medals. She not only showed everyone how to bust an age barrier, she also exhibited the sportsmanship and perspective a veteran athlete can deliver.
Lolo Jones, the hurdler who was homeless for part of her childhood, racing to the front of the rankings with her smooth style. Then, after hitting the final two hurdles in the finals and finishing seventh, making no excuses and uttering no complaints about her disappointment. Truly, a class act.
The admiration isn’t limited to the U.S. athletes. There are dozens of foreign Olympians who deserve recognition from the Chinese divers to the Jamacian sprinters to the African distance runners.
It is not only exciting to watch these top-notch athletes perform. It is heart-warming to observe all these young citizens of the world who are so dedicated, who have worked so hard and who perform under such intense pressure.
Those of us who are older should relish watching the elite of the younger generations, especially those who conduct themselves with pride, honor and humility.
That wonderment shouldn’t be contained to the Olympics either. Members of the Baby Boom generation should gather pleasure from observing talented young people in music, the arts, computer technology, entrepreneurship, military service and political action.
We can advise those younger than us. That is a worthy task. We have seen more and experienced more than them. We can help lead them down the path of life.
However, while we do that, let us also take a moment to soak in their talent, their fresh approach, their youthfulness and their energy.
It is something an older generation can easily do and it brings enjoyment to people of all ages.