Olympic spirit: Stories from the games are as much about hope as winning

There will be more than a few people who will sport medals this Olympic Games. And while their stories will be compelling, they are not really the only ones to watch for as the two weeks of competition opens this week in Sochi.

The athletes who will claim the medals in Russia will deserve our cheers. They are at the top of their respective sports. But if the truth were told, getting to this point is the culmination of a very long road of hard work, determination, disappointment, triumph and sacrifice.

And the journey along that road is to be admired as much as the medal that signals the victory.

And there are others that you will meet as you watch the Games -- people whose dreams will not end in a medal, but whose love of sport transcends the need to be in that winners' circle.

They are also what the Games are supposed to be all about.

And if you are like many Americans, you will puff up a little bit as you watch the U.S. team enter the stadium tomorrow night -- not just because you want them to win medals, but because they are your team.

There is a lot right about the Olympics -- the fellowship and understanding it fosters and the competition it inspires.

It is a moment when -- just for a few days -- the world unites.

It is a place where dreams come true.

It is worth a look -- if only to see what happens when some pretty tough athletes hear their national anthem.

We could use a little inspiration these days. And this is chance to see what just might be possible -- and to create a few dreams of our own.

Who knows, the next figure skating champion or downhill wizard might be watching -- or, perhaps, the next Nelson Mandela.

There are no limits to dreams, after all.

Published in Editorials on February 6, 2014 11:02 AM