In Celebration of the Paris Olympic Games—Past and Present

Paris is one of two cities to host the Olympics three times. (Can you name the other? Answer at the bottom). As we make way for the the pomp, circumstance, competition, medal count and the trivia that only comes every four years with the summer games. I can't help think about this same event in the same locale—a century prior. How? Why? The movie Chariots of Fire features the Games of the VIII Olympiad in the City of Lights, and one of its heroes, is my hero, too.

Chariots of Fire is one of four sports movies to have won the Oscar for Best Film. (Can you name the other three? Answer at the bottom). Historians verify what the 1981 award winning film underscored: politics have never been in the background. Five years after WWI ended, fascism was rising. In the 1924 Olympics, there was a pressing sentiment to represent one's country with aplomb and in doing so, it's values as well. 

Eric Liddell, a runner, devout Christian, and Scot was told by the British selection committee: "King first, then God." However, this is not why Liddell (or his teammate Harold Abrahams) ran. What he sought to prove, who he desired to represent  was King of Kings—Jesus of Nazareth, Christ the Lord. Liddell's example is worth considering as we hear the stories and learn the motivation of many other athletes in the next 17 days. 

As written on IMDB

Chariots of Fire is the true story of two British track athletes competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics. One is a devout Scottish missionary who runs for God, the other is a Jewish student at Cambridge who runs for fame and to escape prejudice.

Told in flashback, Chariots of Fire features the British sprinters as rivals and later as friends. In a warm-up 100-meter race, Liddell defeats Abrahams, who hires a pro trainer to prepare him. Liddell, whose qualifying heat is scheduled for a Sunday, refuses to run despite pressure from the Olympic committee. A compromise is reached when a nobleman allows him to compete in his 400-meter slot. Liddell and Abrahams win their respective races and go on to achieve fame as missionary and businessman/athletic advocate, respectively.

As the story proclaims, Liddell sought to honor God by observing His commands. He did not compete on the Christian Sabbath. The trials took place on a Sunday. Therefore, instead of running in his best race, he ran the qualifier for the 400 m and in Paris—and, he won (in 47.6 seconds). The BBC Scotland website says that, "Without doubt one of Scotland’s greatest sporting heroes, Eric Liddell, owes much of his fame more to a race he didn’t run than any he did."

In the article "Running for God," Lucy Russell writes, "Liddell lived out the Gospel values; using the talents God had given him. He was motivated in all areas of his life, including his sport, to honor and glorify Christ. The point is that when we use our talents to serve and glorify God, we share with him a sense of pleasure and fulfillment. There is certain mutuality here, blessed with the talents God has given us, we have the opportunity to achieve something with him: Them that honor me, I will honor. (1 Samuel 2:30)."

These are the stories of Sports and Spirituality. What motivates an Olympian beyond the gold medal? Beyond athletic training, how might they seek to manifest the motto of the games: Citius - Altius - Fortius. (words that mean Faster - Higher - Stronger). Liddell offers his own testimony. When the daily coverage comes to a close, take a moment to watch/revisit this scene. It is seminal to Sports and Spirituality. 

Or, offer this prayer:

I'd like to compare faith to running in a race.

It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul.
A runner experiences elation when the winner breaks the tape! But how long does that last?
Life will present its challenges. Who am I to say "believe, have faith?!"
I can only point the way. Why? 

Everyone runs in their own way.
Where does the power come from to see the race to the end? From within.
Jesus said "Behold the Kingdom of God is within you. Seek me and ye shall find."

Let us pray the Our Father.

Enjoy the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad

Trivia Answers:

1. London
2. Million Dollar Baby, Rocky, Gladiator*

Photo Credits
Rings: (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Liddell

What I Wish Sha'Carri Richardson, US Sprinter Knew....

Discussions and debate on moral issues goes with the territory of teaching ethics. Over the years, I have heard my fair share of good arguments and bad ones. I listen more than I preach. Occasionally my students will ask me what I think. More often than not, they assume my stance. I wish they knew it's never that simple. I love playing with ideas. I'm okay with gray. Yes, I respect the Church and its official teachings. I understand life is hard and it gets messy. And still, I try to help young people grow not just in age but in wisdom. 

In order to teach moral issues, I collect life lessons from others, I offer a few of my own and I hope for the best. Who knows. Along the way, the most compelling argument I have heard for not using drugs was in an interview with Bruce Springsteen. In all fairness, this ought to strike you as an interesting, albeit unlikely source. Why? The term sex, drugs and Rock n Roll exists for a reason. He came of age in the 60s and 70s. I do not credit The Boss because I'm a big fan, but because I think he is right. His message is one I wish that American sprinter, Sha'Carri Richardson, was familiar with, too. 

Richardson, winner of the 100-meter dash at the U.S. Olympic trials, accepted a one-month suspension after testing positive for THC, the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis. The media was clear that she smoked pot in Oregon, where it is legal. When asked about this unfortunate situation, President Joe Biden said, "the rules are the rules,” but  he questioned if they should remain that way." Announced by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency on Friday, July 2, Richardson still has a chance to compete with the U.S. relay teams. However, her retroactive disqualification at the trials means she is out of the 100-meter race. 

When asked his opinion on drug use, Springsteen said "I do not think it is a moral issue." For the record, I do not agree with his claim. I consider drug usage as much more than a personal preference. I do think it's a matter or right or wrong because the stakes are just too high. I digress.

Bruce admitted that he was around a lot of people who did a lot of drugs as a young musician. He
said, "I saw what it did to them. At the time, the only thing I had was my music and I knew I needed to do everything I could to protect it. So it wasn't for me." 

I appreciate Springsteen's insight because it shows he was aware of his surroundings, he understood the culture in which he lived, he knew himself and what was important in his life. He realized he had a gift and that they might require sacrifice and care. Music fans are glad he did.

Via Twitter, Sha'Carri Richardson stated "I'm highly gifted and blessed...." As written on The Shadow League, "the U.S. has not won Olympic gold in the women’s 100 since 1996 when Gail Devers claimed her second in a row. But the 5-foot-1 Richardson is without question the country’s next best shot." America would have love to have seen her talent and speed translate to a gold medal. There was a lot to protect. I wish she had done that. 

One moral issue students always want to talk about it drug usage. Many use, many do not. There is a wide spectrum of experience and curiosity. It is very rare that a junior in high school offers his or her experience in saying "yes' or "no" to them. Many who are athletes have signed contracts that require they do not use during the season. We discuss how this affects their decisions, if at all. We talk about recreational drugs, hard drugs, prescription drugs and as any ethicist should: What is a drug? This year, however, I think I will just ask What is the thing in your life worth protecting? And how do you plan to do that? Might be one of the more important questions I ask. And for what it's worth: It's a question for all of us to consider.

Photo Credits
Richardson
Young Bruce

Is Breakdancing a Sport? Is it Spiritual?

One of the more common questions I ask in Sports and Spirituality is for students to determine if a given activity is a sport. Is competitive eating a sport? Esports—yes or no? Is breaking dancing? And of equal importance, are they spiritual?

Several students knew why I was asking this question. On December 7, 2020 the IOC announced that "breaking," the official name for competitive breakdancing, will become an Olympic sport for the first time at the 2024 Paris. Surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing have also been approved, but those three events will also be a part of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

One of my students admitted, "it’s always been something I’ve wanted to try. It’s definitely a sport though, it requires so much strength and coordination to be able to do some of the tricks they do!" 

I asked the class how our school might be different if we offered breaking as a varsity sport. For once, the Zoom gallery revealed every student's face. The all too frequent site of a ceiling fan or screen to black was gone. They wanted to weigh in. Some responded to this question by sharing the sports' history, who it attracts and why. Diversity among the sports we offer emerged as a shared value.

There was little debate as to whether or not breaking is spiritual. Many noted that the passion of b-boys and b-girls channeled through dance is a spiritual exercise. The testimony from Nimoy Vaidya, profiled on #GrottoStories suggests that if breakdancing isn't spiritual, what is?

As written by Grotto Network,

Breakdancing is more than a hobby for Nimoy Vaidya. It’s a way for him to be fully himself, a path toward healing, and a source of joy. Born in Kathmandu, Nepal, Nimoy moved to the U.S. for school in 2015. While struggling through his parents’ divorce and being bullied at school, he found an outlet in the “b-boy” culture.

“Yeah, I have tough days, but usually, a little bit of music and a little bit of dancing fixes that,” he shares. “That’s why I do it — because it just brings me joy immediately.”

Vaidya's story affirms that "joy begets joy." His delight, his talent, his enthusiasm inspires others. You have to watch this video!

My students "like that he was able to use it as a way to heal." They are aware that every person needs his or her "outlet." They value that breaking has been used for "self expression." One young woman said, "I appreciate how he didn’t let society pressure him into something that didn’t make him happy. He found breaking or did breaking find him?"

The IOC has noted that breaking will attract young people who may not follow some of the traditional sports. And its inclusion isn't without controversy. 

Allison Durkee of Forbes writes, "Some dancers believe the Olympics could cause the sport to lose some of its authenticity, or devalue aspects of breaking routines that are harder to judge, like originality and passion."

It's important that we preserve the essence and the culture, and that it doesn’t get lost in the competitive grind as we continue to progress and make steps into the Olympics.”

These are worthy considerations. As is this stat: The 2024 games will be fully gender equal, with 50% female and male participation, as compared with 48.8% female participation in the Tokyo games. The Paris Olympics will also have 28 gender-equal sports, out of 32 total, and 22 mixed events, as compared with 18 in Tokyo.

I hope we can agree, 100% will be spiritual. 

Photo Credits
Crazy Legs

Colin Kapernick: Questions and Considerations

I'm not really interesting in clogging the airwaves on a story that has gotten tremendous local—and to my surprise national—media attention. But, I suppose most writers feel that way. We believe we have a thought—or two—to offer. But opinions are like belly buttons: everyone has one. And Colin Kapernick's decision to sit during the national anthem has elicited a firestorm of them. The spectrum of  reactions, responses, questions and stories it has spawned is as diverse as our nation. However, what's been interesting to me about this particular story is not my opinion, but my reaction. When I heard about it via SportsCenter, I thought to myself, I'm surprised no one did what he did at the Olympic Games in Rio.

Do you agree? Have you held that same thought? In 2012 I heard Dr. John Carlos speak at the school where I teach about the decision that he and Tommie Smith made at the 1968 games in Mexico City. Given the social and racial climate in our country, I figured the time was right. Also, I know there is a black national anthem; I have wondered when or if an African-American athlete will request that song to be played in lieu of Francis Scott Key's masterpiece.

So it is with those questions in mind that I aim to address other ideas and questions Colin Kapernick's decision has invited me to consider. Let me be clear, the intention of this posting is not to take a stand on or share my view, but rather to add to the airwaves a humble thought...or two.

First, I think it's important to know that the Thursday night contest against the Packers is not the first time that Kapernick has refused to stand during the national anthem. I am not sure why it became newsworthy now, and not the first, second or third time he made that choice.

Second, the choice he made in the past and on August 26, isn't one that has gone unnoticed by his teammates. Alex Boone, now with the Minnesota Vikings said, 

“It’s hard for me, because my brother was a Marine, and he lost a lot of friends over there,” Boone told USA TODAY Sports. “That flag obviously gives (Kaepernick) the right to do whatever he wants. I understand it. At the same time, you should have some (expletive) respect for people who served, especially people that lost their life to protect our freedom.

With all due respect to Mr. Boone, his words make me cringe. He is not the only person who has shared that sentiment...or euphemism. 

Freedom does not mean that one can do whatever they want. As a society and a culture, we set limits and we evaluate and reevaluate the lines that we draw. When one breaks the rules, dishonors the law or pushes the limits they must be held accountable. And, there is a price to pay when we disagree. It's a cliche for a reason. Freedom isn't free.

To me, Kapernick was well aware of his right—given by the First Amendment—toward freedom of speech. He exercised his right and from what I have gathered, he knew there would be consequences. 

Historically, Kapernick has been terse with the media. Local fans have wondered if he studied at the public speaking school of Marshawn Lynch But in this instance, Kapernick welcomed the microphone and the opportunity to address the reason behind his decision. he said,

"I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder."

Kapernick's decision has prompted Americans to consider how else they express their national pride or disappointment. I had talked to a friend earlier this summer about the time in the late '80s or was it the early '90s when a number of Americans burned flags at Major League baseball games. That gesture ushered in a desire (by some) to add  a constitutional amendment, outlawing the burning of a the Star and Stripes. I started to question: Is the flag as a symbol more or equally sacred as our national anthem? 

CK kneels during the Niner vs Charger game on 9/1/16

As much as I feel frustrated by the shelf life that certain stories hold in the American news cycle and within popular media, I have grown to learn each one invites me to respond—ever new, ever challenging. I've been surprised by many of my reactions in the past. I have learned more about myself than I would if these stories never came to be. 

Kapernick's decision forgo an important pregame ritual has prompted—is it safe to say—the best and worst of us? I've listened to the spectrum of viewpoints and all that I truly have to offer are questions. Having taught ethics for 12 years, I conclude with a poignant thought from an introductory article we use each year.

Questions, you know, are not only the problems or paragraphs or multiple-choices on mid-terms and finals.  Questions can be teachers.  Questions can be like enigmatic but enduring friends; like someone whom you know so well yet still do not know but are thankful for. —Coleman Brown

What has Kapernick's decision prompted you to consider? What has been uncomfortable to talk about?  How could things be different?.......

Photo Credits
Kneeling
Teammates
Media
X

A Sports Fan's Take on the Olympic Games

When asked if I enjoyed the 2016 Summer Olympic games, my immediate response was a loud, sincere “of course.” However, if you knew my viewing patterns and how little I actually watched, you would think otherwise. So, what gives?

I enjoy the Olympics for something other than the fact that it showcases the world’s greatest athletes on the highest stage. Or, that certain sports —swimming and diving, track and field and gymnastics— get the attention they so deserve. My love for the games isn’t even out of appreciation for the outstanding traditions that come with it—the Opening ceremonies, the lighting of the Olympic torch or the valiant theme song.  And who doesn’t want to cheer for Team USA?

No, the reason I so enjoy both the Winter and Summer Olympics is because the spirit, the enthusiasm, the questions and quandaries, challenges and complaints that fill the airwaves resonate with those I hold about sports on a regular basis. Every single day, I want to talk about sports with others and share what I have seen and heard. The way that people feel during those 21 days of the Olympic fortnight is how I feel 365 days a year.

Like the NBA Finals or the NFL under Commissioner Roger Goodell, the Olympics is far from drama free. Whether it’s the sheer corruption of the IOC, the quandary of how much money a community must spend to host the Games or the sexist language and coverage throughout the 21 days, the so-called joy of sports isn’t blind sighted, there is always more than enough to improve and do right in the future.

And as sports is wont to do, a ridiculous story too often fills the airwaves. From the moment Ryan Lochte cried wolf in tweeting that he was held up at gunpoint. I was reminded that Olympians are like anyone and everyone we know. Some are exceptional human beings…and others, well “jackass” seems to be an appropriate descriptor.

these two swimmers contributed very different stories to the 2016 Games

It’s true, every Olympic games brings athletes to the limelight. Whether or not it’s individual competition or a team sport, the narrative of the games is colored by their rise to glory or fall from grace. We watch in anticipation of what will be…

Dan Patrick of Sports Illustrated wrote,

as great as dark horses can be, the Olympics are like March Madness.. We like Cinderellas and upsets, but in the Final Four we want the big names.. We want to see the greats be great. And the interest in the biggest names is what ultimately drives coverage. Unlike some sports where we want to see the dynasties crumble, it was gratifying to see the Phelpses and the Bileses of the world dominate.

The achievements of the greats stays with us beyond the medal stand, because their talents, efforts and the stories of their lives, give us much to consider.

For example, while reflecting on the success of Michael Phelps, I found myself believing that he needed these games…and then I paused. I turned to a friend and said “maybe we needed him to have these games.” Sports and the Olympics in particular make us consider new questions, And what I love so much about sports are the ever new, ever unique questions they invite me to so this on a regular basis.

So proud of the US Women and in particular the 3-seat: Amanda Polk from ND

I know my own father had never considered crew an exciting sport. However, having read and adored “Boys in the Boat” he couldn’t wait to watch rowing. He saved both the US men’s and women’s race for me to watch. As we watched it together, he asked me about my experience as a rower at Notre Dame. Though I once coached this sport and traveled throughout the country with my fellow Irish oarsman, prior to the 2016 Olympic games, I don’t that my dad had ever once asked me a technical question about crew. He wanted to know where I sat in the boat. Did I row port or starboard? And why did I switch from port to starboard during my juionr year? In our conversation, I was reminded that the gift of the Olympics is like the gift of sports—there is always more to learn, consider, connect to and figure out.

I was 10 years old when the Olympics took place in Los Angeles.. I was able to stay up late night to watch Mary Lou Retton, Edwin Moses and Carl Lewis, because the competition took place in the summer, my favorite time of year. I was just old enough to comprehend—beyond the feats of great athletes—the spiritual nature of the games.

Perhaps the seed of my love for sports, planted by my dad, was beginning to grow and take root with those Olympic Games. Though I don’t watch as much of them as I did in 1984, my appreciation for what they offer the world is something I can’t help but enjoy. And the best part about it all is that, the joy of sports does not have to end with the closing ceremonies….we have a pennant race going on here in San Francisco. Football fans know we are less than a week away….St. Ignatius girls golf has try outs this week. Play Ball!!

Photo Credits
Rio
Phelps and Lochte

Tokyo

What I've Learned about Notre Dame from USC

A fellow alum once told me that USC and Notre Dame are probably more similar than I want to admit. We love our storied programs and let you know it. Our bands and our fight songs are renown; they are played and overplayed, loved and hated. He felt that alumni of each institution tend to be more conservative than not, and the student bodies at both schools are not as diverse as it should be. His observation stung. I realized he might be on to something. 

So, I did what any sports fan would do, I packed my bags and decided to perform my own investigative reporting. And this blog posting will point to three observations of each program that I believe speak to our differences—differences that define us.

Los Angeles, California
Every other Thanksgiving weekend, the Irish head west to play the men of Troy in at the Memorial Coliseum in South Central Los Angeles. The Coliseum is adjacent to the USC campus and the energy and excitement are always high. I have attended this contest no fewer than 10 times in my life and yet, last November three things caught my attention. They have stayed with me because they speak to me

Observation #1
It's incredible to realize that some of the world's greatest athletes have competed at this site is not one but two Olympic Games. The symbol of the Olympic rings beneath the name of the venue remains over one of the main entrances. And, the Olympic cauldron torch rises above a majestic peristyle that frames the east end of the stadium. 

Truly these symbols speak to the glory of athletics and the history of great competition. If I were a USC athlete or fan, I would be very proud of the fact that I have the opportunity to compete or observe contests on this sacred ground. There is nothing religious in these icons, images or architecture—but I do think there is a certain spirituality about the place. Call it the spirit of the Olympic Games, or of Troy....Fight On! 

Observation #2
The Coliseum can seat 93,000 people. Because of its sheer size, it's no surprise to me that the seats at the east end zone are roped off and unused. Last year, I noticed that the USC athletic department (and Legends) added on-field suits and premium clubs beneath the peristyle. But that's not what caught my attention at the Coliseum. It's what covered the empty seats.  And for the record: The Crossroads Campaign at Notre Dame was launched to fund the third renovation of Notre Dame stadium. These changes to the 85-year-old venue will bring suites and premium seating to South Bend too.

The unused seats are covered by massive banners that feature the name and retired jersey number of those athletes who have won the Heisman trophy. It's hard NOT to see these. Seven USC players have been awarded the Heisman. All of them (with the exception of Reggie Bush) have also their numbers retired by the Trojans.

Ironically, Notre Dame also has seven Heisman trophy winners, but their names will not be found inside Notre Dame Stadium on public display. You also won't see their numbers retired either. Football is considered by many to be the ultimate team sport. Even though individual athletes shine, it's impossible to win a game without the collective work of many athletes and the coaching staff. For that reason, the only name you will see on a jersey is the one of the school, and it's on the front.

USC is proud of its alumni and so it Notre Dame. We choose to recognize that difference.

Observation #3
In August, the University announced that it will include the addition of a video board atop the south end of Notre Dame stadium. Fans have mixed emotions about it. I can't wait. And yet, I understand the purists are concerned about how it might change the game experience. 

At USC, this video board is very helpful, if not necessary. The Coliseum is so big, it can be tough to see a lot of what happens on the field. But what you will also see is advertising as well as instant replay. However, reviewing a great run or catch isn't what bothered me—although it should have—Notre Dame had few to little highlights and the Trojans had a feast day; they beat us 49-14. 

What I called into question was the undue emphasis it put upon individual athletes in their achievements. Every time Trojan wide receiver George Farmer had a touchdown, I saw his name, number and a prerecorded victory dance on the big screen. When Cody Kessler completed a spectacular pass the words TOUCHDOWN dominated the screen only to be interrupted by KESSLER and his prerecorded dance moves. No need for excessive celebration on the field; I found it on the screen.

It will be interesting to see what the Irish choose to display on their video board next year. I have a strong suspicion it will be different. I hope so....

South Bend, Indiana
I graduated from Notre Dame in 1996—the final year of the House that Rockne built as it was created. The Notre Dame Stadium you visit today opened and was dedicated Labor Day weekend in 1997. I don't know why I was there, but I was. A poster from the dedication hangs in the garage at my parents' house. There is nothing else on the walls...

Observation #1
Over Labor Day weekend, I attended the opening game of the season with my former roommate and good friend, Erin. She pointed to something I had probably seen many times but never paid attention to before: a flagpole that rests inside the stadium.

Near the band in the southeast corner is just that: a white, single solitary flag pole. At the commencement of the game, the band raises the flag as it plays the National Anthem. The University professes to prioritize: God, Country, Notre Dame. The placement of this flagpole inside—not outside—the stadium is a visual reminder of that belief.

Observation #2
This isn't something that is seen but heard. During the third quarter of the game, the official announcer made note of Mass times at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for Sunday. Because the Texas game started at 7:30 pm, Sunday vigil masses took place before the game, but the faithful who wanted to worship on campus were well-informed of their options.

When I heard this, I thought to myself "Where else can you be reminded of our weekly obligation and the added bonus of Sunday evening vespers than at Notre Dame?!" And what I love most about this announcement is that its one that isn't irrelevant or meant to serve as a guilty reminder. If you don't believe me, see for yourself. The Basilica and dorm masses are well attended on game weekends. Maybe we're praying for a "W." As Lou Holtz once said, "Jesus doesn't care who wins a football game....but His mother does." 

Observation #3
For me to say "look up" is just too easy. When you do, from inside Notre Dame Stadium, you will see "Touchdown Jesus" on the south end....the Golden Dome and the spire of the Basilica forming a perfect trinity. But if you look down, on the field you will see one thing is lacking. It's found in many collegiate fields: color. Other than an interlocking ND, the only decor on the field is 9 hash marks inside each end zone. There are 18 in total (9 on each side) and each mark is at a 42-degree angle. The numbers add up: 1842. The year that Notre Dame was founded. The year it all began.

Conclusions
As written earlier, a rival is not to be taken for granted. They bring a different type of joy to sports. Just this past week, I delighted in the fact that the New York Mets ended the Los Angeles Dodgers' 2015 season. Never mind that they captured the National League West division title, I could now celebrate that they have been eliminated from the playoffs for 27 years and counting. 

More importantly, a good rival teaches you a lot about yourself. It highlights what you prioritize and what you stand for. It also makes winning that much sweeter and losses exceptionally harder. I never take beating USC for granted. It's a historic rivalry that defines my experience of college football. Fight on you Trojans.... Go Irish!

Photo Credits
USC vs ND
USC Jerseys