By St. George Mayor Jon Pike
Our family enjoyed watching the Olympics this year even more than usual. Perhaps some of the epic events with familiar names and faces made it extra fun. But what always impresses me are the incredible performances in every event by athletes who have spent years working daily in tireless preparation for these “games.”
I wonder how many young people find new inspiration to swim like Katie Ledecky or Michael Phelps, run like Allyson Felix or Usain Bolt, or do gymnastics like Simone Biles or Gabby Douglas? Whether the Olympics inspire any of us to compete or simply be more physically active, I certainly view either as a very good outcome.
Of course, I also enjoy watching as the athletes from across the world join together, respect each other, hug each other, and even form bonds of friendship that hopefully last for years. I hope that, while our focus is naturally on our own country’s Olympians, we’ve enjoyed as observers the opportunity to get to know and appreciate the athletes of other countries and enjoy the stories of their lives.
So here’s to the Olympics! May they inspire each of us to do more and be more!
