Amazing Talents

I have been watching the Olympics with my daughters. The talents of these athletes amaze me.  I can’t stop watching until the event is done.  I always wondered what got them interested in these events or how they found out they are good at something so unique.  One of the commentators said most start practicing the luge at age ten.  How does a ten year old even think about going down a track of ice at 60 or 70 miles per hour on their back?

I wonder how many children have dreams of going to the Olympics but keep it to themselves or how many could be future Olympians but never heard of the Olympics.  There are so many who play sports but don’t think of working that hard to become one of the best in the world.  Some children don’t realize that the sports they participate in for fun could take them to the Olympics. 

For example, a child that skateboards and likes to do tricks, could participate in the growing sport of skateboarding and snowboarding.  A child who likes going fast downhill in a sled may do well in luge and skeleton.  Another example is a track runner may be good at bobsledding.

There are so many talented athletes out there training hard to represent their country.   There are just as many should be athletes sitting silent not realizing what they are missing.  Parents need to become more aware of their children’s dreams.  All they hear is I want, I want… when will the child say I dream to be unless asked. The parents’ answer should be let’s try.  The child may have a dream that can’t come true. During the experience they learn about themselves.  But if they get a chance, that same child may be a gold medalist.