Facebook's Olympic Friends - Olympic Speaker Insights

Posted by Vince Poscente on Mon, Feb 17, 2014 @ 07:00 PM

If you've never attended an Olympic Games as a tourist, host city resident or as an athlete, you can only imagine the sense of community this event creates. None of us in 1992 could have imagined the power of connection social media would do to reconnect our significant friendships.

As odd as it may seem, your event only lasts a relatively brief period - in some cases, seconds. All that training, all the tribulations and mountains of preparation. Yet the climb is infused with cherished memories of friendships and brother/sister-hood.

Willamette Pass athletes

Some of our best friends were on the other teams on the world cup circuit. Yes, we each belonged to a team leading up to race or game day. Individual athletes competed for personal excellence and to summit the medal podium - if possible. But after every event we were a family. We broke bread together, we shared rides, toasted local beer, and even, exchanged competitive insights (but not the best advice ;-)

If you found your way to an Olympic Games as a tourist you will generate fodder for flashbacks. As I write I have dozens. Here are a few I have as a tourist from 1988 in Seoul:

  • Chatting with a Hungarian weightlifter on the subway (his frame took up 1.5 seats)  
  • An unforgettable night at the Lufthansa House
  • Celebrating with a Danish Olympian after the closing ceremonies
The flurry of sound bites, stories destined for Olympic keynote speeches, medal runs dedicated to family members who've passed away -- all accumulate to memories infused in the hearts of friendships beyond compare. 
Those of us who competed together in Albertville are each weighing into Facebook or other conversations of the extraordinary time we shared in our Games. In Sochi - memories are being made in the same way.
Three months after the Olympic Winter Games I overheard my dad talk to a buddy of his. As if it was yesterday, the echoes of his voice fill the air, "Those Olympic Games were the greatest experience of my entire life." 
Three years later, my dad passed away.
What a gift it is to share an Olympic experience with those we love.
Whether they are family, acquaintances, teammates, fellow competitors or Facebook friends. 

Tags: Motivational