Have That ‘Olympics Spirit

By
Karen S. Sumadic

There’s a cliché that “winning isn’t everything; what is important is how you played the game.” But what does this
mean, really? This article is not all about the games at Olympics. However, having that Olympics spirit allows one to win a game
called life—and in order to succeed in life is tantamount to having education that will allow one to acquire knowledge and skills.
The advantages of having an education are many, and it’s up to you to take full advantage of the opportunity that’s
there for the taking.
A lot of students nowadays are having a hard time trying to focus on things, especially school. As of 2013, DepEd
figures showed that a total of 126, 368 public school students have dropped out of school in the elementary level while 236, 222
others have discontinued their studies in the secondary level. But why do they quit school? Mateo (2014) stated that there are
certain factors in the dropout rates that are beyond their control. He said that these include lack of interest among students,
distractions due to technology, family problems, and even disasters. Other factors include change of residence, malnutrition,
sickness and the distance between the school and the students’ homes. While the Curriculum planners and the teachers are
doing their best to ensure that students maintain their interest in going to school, still a greater factor depends on the student
himself; his personal attitude towards gaining education.
Determination is very important. That is where the “Olympics Spirit” comes in. James Hadley, in August 2016 issue of
Reader’s Digest, shared inspiring stories worth mentioning. Back in the year 2000, a then-22-year-old Eric Moussambani swam
solo in the first heat of the 100m free after his other two competitors were disqualified. Moussambani had only taken up
swimming a few years prior, and had never swum in a pool longer than 13m. Eric dived confidently and swam pretty fast in the
first 10-15 minutes, but soon his progress became painfully, almost comically slow. Spectators wondered if he would finish, yet
gasping for breath, Eric managed a time of 1:52 — a full minute and five seconds slower than the world record at the time.
However, he became a legend for his perseverance. Sarah Attar in 2012 London Olympic Games finished last and half a minute
slower than her nearest competitor in her women’s 800m heat. Covered head to toe, and wearing a hijab, Attar, as the first
woman to compete in an Olympic track and field event for Saudi Arabia, was cheered on and received a standing ovation from
the crowd as she crossed the finishing line. Her determination to finish the race is a significant victory for women’s rights. Derek
Redmond suffered an Achilles Tendon Injury. However, in a Barcelona 1992 Olympics, he was a contender for a medal in the
400 m. He started confidently, then 250m in, he is in great pain due to torn hamstring. It could have been the end of his
Olympics, but determined to continue the game, he hobbled in pain but never stopped. Redmond’s father, who was among the
crowd, worried that his son would aggravate his injury. To everyone’s surprise, he made his way onto the track and helped his
tearful and anguished son limp his way to the finish line.
Students nowadays must remember that gaining control over their lives involves learning and then successfully
applying a number of self-determination skills, such as goal setting, understanding your abilities and disabilities, problem solving,
and self-advocacy. Success is defined by who we are, what we believe in, and what we think it means to be successful
(Burgstahler, 2012). Also, try to develop a support network. Look to family, friends, and teachers for assistance.
Winning does not only count when you are ahead in everything but also in moments where you finished what you have
started. Having this mindset is important for students nowadays. Have that Olympics spirit…finish your studies with great victory.

References:
http://www.washington.edu/doit/sites/default/files/atoms/files/Taking-Charge-Stories-Success-Self-Determination.pdf
Reader’s Digest Philippines. August 2016
http://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2006_LegaultGreenPelletier_JEP.pdf
http://www.philstar.com/campus/2014/06/12/1333995/phl-dropout-rates-rising-2007