it's ok to not be #1......

another post regarding the olympics coming up.......
i've been disheartened to see so many athletes act like it's the worst day of their life to win a silver or bronze medal.......some have actually cried......not tears of joy for winning a medal in the olympics, but tears of frustration, sadness, and bitterness.......one wrestler even threw his bronze medal to the ground during the awards ceremony, saying he didn't go there to win anything other than a gold.......what's wrong with these people??.......being #2 or #3 in the WORLD at something is nothing to sneeze at......and if they finish #10 or even dead last - really that's ok too......but when they act like the sky is falling, it saddens me.......first of all, they should have the self respect to say hey, i did the best i could and am grateful for the opportunity......they worked hard to get where they are and should be proud of that......no one just happens to fall into the olympics - it takes great skill.......secondly, they're representing their country.......so have some pride in that and show the kids back home from whatever country you're from that it's ok not to be #1.......there's enough pressure to be the best and just being there representing your country is an inspiration to kids and adults alike........sure the person who finishes first should celebrate that - it was fantastic to see michael phelps win all 8 out of 8 gold medals, but let us not forget that the olympics is a celebration of all athletes from all over the world......most of the time what separates a 1st place finish from a last place finish is a slight separation of the legs in the uneven bars or a slightly sloppy baton pass......
so please olympians, let's just all lighten up and try to remember the spirit of the olympics......try your best and be proud......no one, including yourself, should fault you for that......