In the past, I never sat long enough to watch more than one round or one sport at the Olympics, and if I did, I don't recall paying attention to the commentators. When I watched the Olympics this year, I paid more attention to the commentators than usual. They discussed the favorites, the gold medalists who have won multiple times, the rising stars, and the legends. Oddly, they didn't mention everyone. I wanted to witness the much-anticipated magnificence of talent. I watched in anticipation of the following good news report, but the athletes continued to underperform. I only knew that from the comments, but the athletes still impressed me.
The swimming tournament has eight lanes; however, they only featured three or four competitors whom they anticipated winning or defending their titles. At that point, I realized they hadn't mentioned the others who subjected themselves to the same grueling training regimen for the previous five years or more. Winning was not the expectation of the other competitors, but they competed anyhow. So, why practice? Why bother showing up if you're not expected to win? Nobody plans to lose.
Continuing to watch the different competitions and still listening intently to the commentators, I noticed this was not the year for the crowd's favorite. Gymnastics, swimming, and track, I continued to hear the projected surprise in the dialog of the sportscasters. The landing was off. The gold medalist swimmer had a second slower stroke. The track star pulled a muscle. What was happening? The projected winner was having an off day. So why show up if you're not expected to win? What kind of Olympian do you consider yourself to be? The reigning champion, the rookie, or the hungry athlete who has previously finished second to the winner?
You show up because, at any given moment, your destined, life-altering moment may be now. There are days when nothing happens because off-seasons exist. But then, there are times when the wind shifts in your favor, signaling the time has come to do what you've been training towards. This is your moment, and the greatness of others must bow to your time and season.
Have you prepared for this moment? Your preparation also includes your mental health. We often saw multiple athletes mention their mental health challenges carrying the heavy weight of competing at such a high level to obtain the highest reward. Are you ready to take the stage? Your trainer (i.e. the Holy Spirit) has given you all the tools and encouragement you need. You must show up from head to toe on competition day, ready to compete. Fix your mindset to be prepared to win. Today could be your day.
So if you train for it, show up at the Olympics, and compete. You might as well go for the gusto, Olympian; you've got it in you. Drown out the noise of defeat. Resist the enemy so he will flee. Don't worry that the commentators don't mention your name - at first. But wait for the change in the air. Listen for the crowd's reaction to shift the atmosphere. Push yourself that extra second. You got it, baby! The crowd and commentators are on their feet, projecting their voices in surprise to proclaim the new winner.
A new favorite is has arrived on the scene. This is the moment you prepared for. This is your day. Come on, Olympian, today is your day, and the wind is beneath your feet. Congratulations, you are now the new champion.
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