From torches to brooms, skis to half pipes, there is truly something for everyone at the Olympic Games. For a week the world's top athletes have been competing to bring home the top prize for the country, the payoff for, most often, years and years of practice, competition, and struggle.
One of the biggest, most valuable parts of the Olympics is the feeling of national pride that countries feel toward their team. It is hard not to smile when you think about the valiant work of American athletes like Lindsey Vonn and Shani Davis. Nothing brings a country together better than the thrill of seeing Apolo Anton Ohno shoot around competitors as he busts from fifth to first in his first heat.
This feeling of camaraderie is a vital part of why the Olympic games are so important to today's culture. In a world where Americans are constantly questioning their government, arguing within their nation, and disputing every act of legislature, it is immensely important to have the opportunity to band together for one common goal, one common pursuit. The competition simply gives us someone to focus all of our frustration and competitiveness toward.
Even as we speak, two of the most dominant hockey teams in the world are taking each other on, pitting the US versus their neighbors to the North and the hosts of these Olympic games. The intense media attention associated with these games is a great act of national competition.
The games may be for fun, but there is a lot more at stake than just a medal. The pride, of a nation is at stake. I for one, am excited to see who wins most.
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