The Olympics, Winning and Losing, and The Code

The Olympics is unlike any other competition in that it only occurs every four years.  Competitors who have a bad day, or who make an unlikely mistake will not get another chance for four years.  This is one of the reasons that the pressure is so great.  Unlike most professional (and amateur) athletes who play many games over a season, the Olympians only have the one chance every four years.  What is so surprising to those of us who are used to watching college and professional sports on TV is the style and grace with which the athletes both win and lose.  Trash talking seems non-existent, bad sportsmanship extremely rare, and self-centered behaviors missing.  What does the Code say about how we conduct ourselves?  It says “I will conduct myself with caring and honorable behavior off the field…”  Identify a few of the Olympians you have admired – how have they handled themselves in victory or defeat?  How can you learn from them?