The other day my children and I were watching highlights from the American Gymnastics team and their spectacular performances at the Olympics. This was the first time that my kids were old enough (or for some, even alive “enough”) to be able to watch and appreciate the athletic prowess of the Olympians. I have such fond memories of watching gymnastics as a kid myself, that it was especially meaningful to relive that childhood awe through the eyes of my own children. To be honest, I think gymnastics is particularly mesmerizing – it’s probably my favorite sport to watch. The combination of grace and superhuman strength never ceases to amaze me – or anyone for that matter. And to that end, my son, after watching Simone Biles nail another routine said “Mom, I have the feeling of gymnastics inside of my body.” He then proceeded to do a summersault off of our couch. But in that moment I totally understood the feeling he was expressing. When you see someone do something amazing, your body almost has the sense that you can try doing it yourself. You’re inspired.
I’d like to think that the “feeling of gymnastics” can be taken one step further though. I believe that the athletes at the Olympics, gymnasts, swimmers, and others have an “olympic feeling” inside of them. I think this feeling is Godly, and I think we all have it too. But what exactly is this Olympic feeling? And how can we access it ourselves?
This Olympic feeling, I believe, is a unique blend of strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication. It’s the spark that ignites when we witness extraordinary human achievement, like Simone Biles’ gravity-defying routines. It’s not just about physical prowess; it’s a manifestation of the human spirit pushing beyond perceived limits.
Consider Simone Biles, who stepped away from competition in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health, only to make a triumphant return. She is now the most decorated US gymnast to this day. Her resilience in the face of immense pressure embodies this Olympic spirit. It’s a reminder that true strength isn’t just about physical capabilities, but also about knowing when to step back and when to push forward.
This spirit of resilience isn’t limited to American athletes. At the 2024 Olympics, Israeli Jiu Jitsu champion Yarin Shriki, won a gold medal, dedicating his victory to his friend who was tragically murdered at the Nova music festival attack on October 7th. Yarin himself was a survivor of the Nova massacre. In that moment of triumph, Shriki demonstrated that the Olympic spirit is also about carrying on in the face of heartbreak, honoring those we’ve lost through our achievements.
These modern examples of resilience and strength echo the stories of our biblical ancestors. In the Bible, we find numerous accounts of individuals embodying this same indomitable spirit, whether it’s in their physical actions, their faith, or their outlook on the future.
Consider Moses, who despite leading the Israelites for 40 years, was not permitted to enter the Promised Land. Yet, he didn’t let this personal disappointment diminish his leadership. Instead, he passed the torch to Joshua with words that resonate with the Olympic spirit:
This passing of the baton, coupled with words of strength and sportsmanship, mirrors the resilience we see in Olympic athletes as they face their own challenges. Not only are Olympic athletes looking for a personal victory, but they represent their team and their country.
David, before facing Goliath, demonstrated unwavering faith and courage. His words to King Saul embody the confidence of an Olympian facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge:
This self-confidence and ultimately trust in God is often evident in athletes who perform seemingly superhuman feats. What else but for the combination of inner strength, and trust in the Lord could allow for a triple tuck, launched 12 feet in the air by Ms. Biles?
Even in times of deep despair, biblical figures found strength. Job, despite losing everything, maintained his integrity and faith, declaring:
This resilience in the face of adversity is reminiscent of athletes who bounce back from injuries, personal, and professional setbacks to compete at the highest levels.
The prophet Isaiah offers words that could easily be a motivational speech for Olympic athletes:
This beautiful imagery of endurance and strength aligns perfectly with the spirit we see in Olympic competitions.
In Jewish tradition, we’re taught that our bodies are vessels for the divine.
This isn’t just about avoiding physical harm; it’s about recognizing the sanctity of our bodies and the potential within them. Olympic athletes, in their dedication to their sports, demonstrate a profound respect for their physical selves. They push their bodies to the limits, not out of vanity, but in pursuit of excellence – a pursuit that, in its purest form, can be seen as honoring the divine gift of our physical capabilities.
So how can we access this Olympic feeling, this godly spark within ourselves? We may not all be destined for gold medals for the uneven bars, but we all have the capacity for greatness in our own ways. It starts with recognizing that our bodies, minds, and spirits are interconnected, each a crucial part of our whole selves.
We can cultivate resilience by facing our challenges head-on, just as David faced Goliath. We can demonstrate perseverance by continuing to work towards our goals, even when the path is difficult, much like the Israelites journeying through the desert. We can honor our bodies by treating them with respect and care, pushing ourselves to grow stronger but also knowing when to rest and recover.
Most importantly, we can recognize that this Olympic spirit, this feeling of strength and potential, isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s a universal human quality, a reflection of the divine spark within each of us. When we watch those mesmerizing gymnastic routines or see athletes overcome incredible odds, we’re not just witnessing their achievements – we’re recognizing our own potential for greatness.
So the next time you feel that “Olympic feeling” within you, embrace it. It’s a reminder of the strength, resilience, and divinity that resides within us all. And who knows? By nurturing that feeling, you might just discover your own path to Olympic-sized achievements, whatever form they may take in your life.
