The Losers of Beijing, 2022.

Who are they?  China, Russia, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

We are not fooled by the pageantry of ceremony, giant snowflakes, rainbow fireworks, or the cynicism of a motto declaring: “Together for a Shared Future.”  We are sad for the innocence of young children singing and moving in chillingly precise synchronicity designed to charm. We are not taken in by these distractions or the ploy of a smiling toy panda mascot.

Make no mistake. There is nothing warm and cuddly about a country whose government has one of the most shameful human rights records in the world.  Or a second country - guilty of doping during the games and making war on a peaceful nation the day after they end - callously murdering civilians - including women and children - in a despotic and dangerous desire to overturn democracy.  We can and do condemn their actions and the International Olympic Committee that traffics in and rewards those who defile Olympic values. 

The IOC Charter states that their goal of educating youth through sport will serve to advance the “harmonious development of humankind, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity… practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding…friendship, solidarity, and fair play.”    

The Olympian athletes live these values throughout their lives and inspire the rest of us to do the same.

Then there are those who do not.

Enough said.  We have given the losers too much space already. 

Answer to Unpacking Education, No. 5, Question of the Day:

The correct answer is c) Jackie Joyner-Kersee.  The track and field superstar won a total of six medals (three gold) over four Olympic Games (Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona, and Atlanta) between 1984 and 1996.  Considered to be one of the greatest female athletes of all time, Joyner-Kersee was inducted into the Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2004.

An Olympic medal does not define who you are or what you have or will achieve in your life.  Like Joyner-Kersee, the other women athletes cited in this question won many awards in their respective sports.  For the curious, here is their Olympic medal tally: Gabby Douglas, gymnastics (3); Erin Jackson, speed skating (1); Surya Bonaly, figure skating (0); and Elena Meyers Taylor, bobsled (5).