Every four years, the Summer Olympics provide the opportunity to compete on a global level – to be the true world champion in a sport. Many athletes train the better part of their lives to compete in their respective sports. When they achieve, they achieve greatly. When they fail, it is in front of the whole world. By now, most are aware of a less-than-spectacular performance during the inaugural (and maybe only) Olympic break-dancing competition. One would have to deny oneself of social media to avoid a meme or reel lampooning the effort of one Olympian who ended up scoring zero points for her performance. Yet, at the relatively old age of 36, she was out there representing her country and trying her best to leverage her creativity to make up for her competitors' youth and athleticism. Let us keep perspective of the bravery of all who step onto the stage to compete, knowing that only one individual or team in each category will leave with the gold first-place medal. Understand the margins for victory are sometimes mere fractions of a second or judgement calls from referees. Know that epic competitions provide opportunities for epic fails. As spectators, let us be kind and not revel in the agony of the defeated but instead celebrate and emulate their courage to compete.
A Scout is Brave. A Scout is Kind.