Coroebus of Elis Coroebus of Elis, the simple cook, standing in the middle of an arena with his head held high, absorbed in the seemingly never ending, loud and yet soothing static of the cheering crowds is an image that almost every sportsman dreams about. Could the ancient Greeks have guessed that their tradition of conducting the Olympic Games, once in four years would continue steadily almost 3000 years after its inception? Now as the Olympic Games- or the Olympics as we all call it- makes its way to London, I can’t help but think about the meaning of the Olympics; What it stands for. I think its general knowledge that the Olympics isn’t just a sports competition. To an athlete, every competition or tournament is merely a stepping stone to the Olympics. Just to represent their country, in the grandest stage of them all is an honor most athletes would die for. I can only imagine what it feels like to stand on the podium while your national anthem is being played and I imagine it feels like heaven. But the Olympics isn’t just a clash between nations. It is much, much more. It celebrates the athlete and embodies the spirit of sport. An Olympic medal to an athlete is like a Nobel Prize to a scientist- the ultimate result of your efforts; the light at the end of the tunnel. And when I see these men and women prove that ‘sportsmen’s spirit’ isn’t just an expression, I relies that it promotes peace, universal brotherhood and mutual understanding. The very fact that men and women from so many countries gather at the same place leaving behind all disputes and misunderstandings, ready to take part in raw, breath-taking competition gives me goose bumps. Win or lose they will be heroes, who proved that hard work can take you far. After all its not bout whether you win or lose; It’s how to play the game that matters.
Jyothis Padmanabhan Christ Nagar Hr Sec School