The Paralympics: Unsung Heroes

     When reading about the Olympic maxim, I found that I agreed with Dr. Guttman's sentiment that the Paralympic games are more “true” to Pierre de Coubertin's Olympic maxim stating that "the most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning, but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering, but fighting well". When the Olympic games inevitably roll around every four years, I have noticed that the general attitude towards the game is a competitive and high stakes one. I have found that we are much more focused on the end result: gold, silver, or bronze? Did the USA win? Any records we beat? Do we have more medals than China? 

    This attitude towards the Olympics in my opinion is quite the opposite of Coubertin’s maxim, which focuses more on the journey, perseverance, adaptability, and the indomitable human spirit. I feel that Guttman was correct in his opinion on the Paralympic games being more reflective of the maxim because of how disabled people have had to fight to even be able to participate, and the extra obstacles they must overcome to be able to participate and not only that, but to excel at these events.  

It is very telling that the majority of Americans- and possibly citizens from many different countries, are drawn towards the Olympics and the awesome moments of victory for their country, rather than anything to do with the Paralympics. In the Youtube video: “The Paralympics- Where Heroes Come”, everyone had an answer when it came to their favorite Olympic moment. But when asked about their favorite Paralympic moment, some did not even know what it meant, and
the rest could not give an answer. One of the interviewees responded when asked about their favorite Paralympic moment: “That's really a very important question, and I dont have one, Because I really haven't watched the Paralympics. That is a very revealing question”.  And it does reveal many things about our general sentiment towards the Paralympics. 

    This is not to say that the competitive spirit does not also exist in the Paralympic games, but I do believe there is more of a sense of community and love for the sports that Paralympians compete in, which I believe to be because of the shared struggle that these people might have faced being disabled athletes in a society where only the abled bodied athletes are truly revered, respected, and given the spotlight. 


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