Today was the last day of athletics at the Olympics and there were some stellar performances. The Dutch athlete of Ethiopian origin who won the 10000m after winning the 5000m and coming third in the 1500m. She collapsed a few seconds after crossing the finish line. The Russian high-jumper who couldn't compete in Rio because of Russia's doping ban and won gold today under the banner of the Russian Olympic Committee. To say the Olympics showcases the triumph of the human spirit against impossible odds is a cliche. But, it is true. Watching uniquely talented and supremely driven athletes win, lose, screw up, cry with joy, cry with disappointment is a heart-warming experience. And, the stories of injuries, of bad luck, of cruel nicknames given to those who come so close but never make it. The stories of teenagers winning medals on one hand, and of athletes in the twilight of their careers winning a medal for the first time. I often wondered why athletes who never place higher than fifth or sixth bother competing at all, especially in events which have freakishly talented athletes who are miles ahead of them and always will be. Because if they didn't, their lives would be less rich and less fulfilling. It is who they are. I also often wonder about the athletes who celebrate personal bests with as much gusto as if they had won a medal. I suppose because you have to define success on your terms, especially if you are not freakishly talented. Measuring success on your terms sustains one through the tough patches, which could last weeks, months or years.
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