SENIOR MOMENT: One world, one dream

By BETTY MUNSEY/Columnist

For the past two weeks, 600 of America’s top athletes have been competing in the 24th Olympiad half a world away in Beijing, China.
NBC News and our local affiliate, WSLS channel 10 in Roanoke, have filled our television screens to overflowing with the sights and sounds of this once-every-four-year world sports competition. From early morning with the “Today Show” staff to late night with Bob Costas, we’ve been able to see firsthand the successes and, yes, some of the disappointments, without leaving our recliners here in Southwest Virginia.
We marveled at the skills and physical strengths of these young athletes trying to remember when, if ever, we were half as agile. Most of us have not been immune to shedding tears as we watched these young athletes overcome physical challenges and multiple difficulties to attain their success.
One of America’s youngest competitors, Henry Cejundo, was raised with six siblings by a single mother in extreme poverty after his father’s death. The 21-year-old wrestler remarked after winning the gold medal and adoration from the audience, “this
proves that whatever you want to do as an American, you can do it.” It would be a hardened heart not to feel pride as Cejundo ran a victory lap around his venue draped in an American flag while crying unabashed.
Hugh McCutcheon, coach of the American men’s volleyball team, overcame tremendous heartaches to complete his coaching assignment. Not long after the Opening Ceremony, his wife and her parents were touring a major Chinese tourist attraction when a deranged individual attacked them with a knife, killing McCutcheon’s father-in-law and critically injuring his mother-in-law. Thankfully his wife was physically unhurt. He commented to the press that the prayers and support of so many people helped his family tremendously during those difficult days and encouraged him to complete his coaching responsibilities. His team walked away from the Olympics wearing gold medals and first-place honors.
Natalie du Toit representing South Africa was the first female amputee to ever compete in the Olympics. She finished sixth out of 25 competitors in the 10K open water race. She initially chose swimming for its healing qualities and quickly fell in love with the sport. Her teammates chose her to carry her nation’s flag in honor of the difficulties she had conquered to be able to compete. She could hardly contain her pride and sense of completion as she marched around Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium.
China is to be congratulated for literally throwing open her doors and inviting the world to witness modern-day China.  Once the forbidden country concealed behind the Great Wall, the Olympics was the ideal showcase for its bustling economy, gorgeous countryside, and genuine hospitality. The International Olympic Committee and the people of China truly worked to make the 2008 Olympics live up to its motto of “One World¬One Dream.”
A retired Extension agent, Betty Munsey lives and farms in Bland County.