On August 6th, the opening ceremony for the Olympics was held in Rio. In total, 206 nations joined the Olympic Games and 28 events were held. Korea won 9 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 9 bronze medals. Results, however, are not the most important aspect of the Games. It is the mind of the athletes that is of utmost importance. The Olympics should strengthen world competition but more importantly, world peace. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, critics have given generally positive reviews of the events and activities, but some point out violations by some participants. In the Women’s 5,000m preliminary, when Nikki Hamblin, a member of the US team, fell, Abbey D’agostino, who was running behind her, tripped over Nikki’s leg. Abbey didn’t give up and extended her hand to Nikki. The two athletes crossed the finish line, encouraging each other along the way. According to AP reporter, Hamblin is quoted as, “I’m so grateful for Abbey for doing that for me. That girl is the Olympic spirit right there. I’ve never met her before, and isn’t that just so amazing?"1) This event moved people around the world. It also highlighted the true mission of the Olympics—never give up and help our fellow person. This event was tarnished by Patrick Hickey, a member of the IOC. He was arrested for selling illegal Olympic game tickets. He disappointed a huge number of Olympic fans. The fact that an IOC member did such an illegal activity, broke most people’s faith in the IOC. In the end, the Rio Olympics ended with some earning medals and others with the pleasure of being in the Games. The best aspect was that all competitors and participating nations did their best to keep the purpose for the Games alive.
1) Helene Elliott, “Runners Abbey D’A Gostino and Nikki Hamblin are the real winners in Rio,”, Los Angeles Times, August 27, 2016
