In the last two weeks London has been gripped with Olympic fever, labelled as the greatest show on Earth and the games to inspire a generation, I believe it has certainly lived up to this hype.
The other amazing thing that was noticeable about this event is that the atmosphere of the city changed. The words I heard from visitors to London were, people were helpful, friendly and there was a sense of unity. Not often words said about London or Londoners.
Men and women from 78 countries marched into the Olympic stadium just over two weeks ago with the hopes and dreams of their nation riding on their shoulders. What would they bring home, the coveted Gold medal, the silver or the bronze?
What I observed was that for some people winning the silver or the bronze was as exciting as winning the Gold. At least they had achieved something, four years before they could only have dreamt of winning the prize but now they are standing on the podium, and the fairy-tale has come true.
Although I was not one of the fortunate ones to get my hands on an Olympic ticket, I have been able to go to several venues to watch on the big screens and to soak up the atmosphere and to scream and shout as the men and woman of team GB and my home country of Jamaica did us proud.
I was inspired by Usain Bolt but who hasn’t been inspired by this young man; he has proven that he is a true champion, a living legend as he calls himself.
I believe there is something to be learned from his shaky start out of the blocks, that it is not how you start but it is how you finish and that you should aim to finish well.
I believe there is a lesson in this for all of us who may have given up on ourselves in whatever dreams, we are pursuing. For me I know I will never become a world class athlete, but I can… like you, achieve something that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations to follow. I hope this inspires you to keep going for gold and never giving up on your goals.
