2002 Olympics ‘Lights the Fire Within’

Before we wrap up the Olympic Games and ship them off into history, we need to include a balance sheet of sorts. I offer this:

Cons: Salt Lake City selection scandal; fuss over endorsements; drug accusations; Russia’s denouncement of a second gold medal in pair skating, then demand for a second gold in women’s figure skating; Russia’s charge of bias in freestyle aerial skiing, ice dancing, cross-country and skiing; South Korea’s charge in speed skating.

Pros: Athletes from many diverse cultures all competing under the majesty of the American flag. Consider Derek Parra, Vonetta Flowers, Apolo Anton Ohno, Jennifer Rodriguez, Jim Shea Jr., Sarah Hughes, Tristan Gale, Lea Ann Parsley. At one time and place athletes from 78 countries coming together, after years of training and sacrifice, to compete with fierce pride, the only judgment being on the quality and excellence of their performance.

The pros win for forging lasting friendships between countries, providing inspiration for young people everywhere and for lighting the fire within us all.

Diane Macfarland

San Marino