Self-Expression

Despite my best efforts, I’ve been watching a lot of the Olympics this week.  I don’t care all that much how well the Olympians do; the people who finish dead last perform at a level all but beyond my comprehension, let alone anyone who breaks a world’s record.

What strikes me, though, is how the American athletes talk in the post-event interviews.  They’ve just poured their heart and soul into an event and are expected to make nice with the camera.  Most professional athletes and coaches are well-practiced in giving clichés while still others can get away with being surly SOBs because of their talent.  But the Olympics have been different.  Who knew that American swimmers and gymnasts could be so articulate?

Lilly King showed poise in calling out a Russian swimmer for doping; she also set a world record in the 800-meter freestyle.  Simone Manuel becomes the first African-American woman swimmer to win a gold medal, and she displays wisdom, joy and humility all at once.  Simone Biles did the same, this after jumping and flying through the air in a way that would tax the imaginations of the people at Industrial Light and Magic.  Michael Phelps?  He always struck me as the typical jock; take him out of his element, and watch him struggle.  But Phelps showed poise and introspection—befitting an ancient, 31-year old athlete—when asked to comment on his latest windfall of medals.

All of which brings us to U.S. women’s soccer goalie Hope Solo, who couldn’t help her team get past Sweden in the quarterfinals yesterday.  Sweden decided the best way to defend against the high-octane American offense was to flood the area around their goal with defenders and hope for some lucky shots at the other end, which is exactly what happened.  Ever magnanimous in defeat, Solo said, “We played a bunch of cowards.”  There mustn’t be any mirrors in the Solo household.

As ever, the gold goes to those who deserve it.