The Summer Olympics are always a spectacle of human achievement, bringing together athletes from every corner of the world who have trained tirelessly for years to represent their countries. This year, the Canadian team displayed incredible tenacity, courage, and skill in the face of both triumphs and challenges.
The Power of Perseverance
Canada’s athletes exemplified perseverance throughout the games. Whether it was battling through injuries, facing tough competition, or overcoming the weight of other’s expectations, they showed us that the true spirit of the Olympics isn’t just about winning—it’s about pushing through adversity and striving to be the best version of yourself.
One standout story was that of the Canadian women’s soccer team. After falling short in previous tournaments, they came into these Olympics with something to prove. Despite early setbacks,and in the face of scandal, they fought through each match with determination, never allowing a single short-fall to define them or override their skill. Their relentless pursuit of excellence culminated in an intense quarter final game against Germany. And while they may have not taken home a medal, they showed valiant sportsmanship and came into that match giving everything they had.
Restorative Justice in Sports: Learning from Failure
Restorative justice is often discussed in the context of social systems and within communities, but its principles can be applied to any area of life, including sports. At its core, restorative justice is about healing, learning, and growth. It’s about understanding that failure is not an end but an opportunity for reflection and improvement.
Many Canadian athletes faced moments of failure at the Olympics. There were missed podiums, heartbreaking losses, and performances that didn’t meet personal expectations. However, these athletes didn’t allow failure to defeat them. Instead, they used these experiences as stepping stones, learning from their mistakes and coming back stronger.
Consider the journey of Canadian sprinter Aaron Brown. After a disappointing disqualification in the Men’s 100M heat, Brown could have easily let that defeat overshadow the rest of his Olympic experience. Instead, he channelled his energy into running alongside his relay team, where he and his teammates secured a gold medal. Brown’s story is a powerful reminder that failure is not the opposite of success but rather a part of it.
Surprising Yourself: The Unreachable Becomes Possible
The Olympics also taught us that even when a goal seems unreachable, we should never give up. Take the example of Canadian swimmer Summer McIntosh, who at just 17 years old, stunned the world with her record-breaking performances. The young swimmer took home a total of 4 medals- 3 gold and 1 silver. What seemed like an impossible dream became reality through hard work, resilience, and a refusal to be limited by others’ expectations. Alternatively, Canada’s own Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers made history in Paris by winning Canada’s first ever gold medals in the hammer throw event. This feat further distanced the expectations that had been set for the competition. We saw Canada’s athletes push the boundaries of what was thought possible, despite hardships and tough competition, they arose with new Olympic records and personal bests.
This lesson applies to all of us, whether we’re athletes, students, professionals, or simply individuals navigating our daily life. We may face challenges that feel insurmountable, and there may be moments when we’re tempted to give up. But it’s in these moments that we must dig deep, persevere, and continue moving forward. You never know what you’re capable of until you push beyond your limits.
From Small Towns to the World Stage: The Sudburian Spirit
Canada’s Olympic team this year wasn’t just a collection of athletes from the big cities. Many Olympians came from small towns across the country, including our own town: Sudbury, a place known for its close-knit community and rugged determination. The journey from a small town to the world stage is often filled with unique challenges—limited resources, fewer training opportunities, and sometimes the feeling of being overlooked. But these very challenges can forge a strength of character that sets small-town athletes apart.
Sudbury’s Olympians showed us that where you come from doesn’t determine where you can go. With hard work, dedication, and the support of their communities, they’ve proven that even those from the most modest beginnings can achieve greatness. Their success is a source of pride for Sudbury and serves as a beacon of inspiration for young athletes in the area who dream of one day competing at the highest levels.
Embracing Growth and Moving Forward
As the Canadian athletes return home, they carry with them more than just medals—they carry stories of perseverance, growth, and the power of not giving up. These stories inspire us to apply the same principles in our lives. When we face setbacks, we should view them not as failures but as opportunities for growth. When a goal feels out of reach, we should remember that perseverance can make the impossible possible.
Coming out with 27 medals dangling around our nations neck, the 2024 Summer Olympics have shown us that success is not just about the destination but about the journey—the struggles, the lessons, and the growth that come along the way. Let’s carry these lessons forward, using them to inspire us in our own pursuits, no matter how challenging they may seem. After all, you might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve!
“I’ve said this over and over, it’s never about the outcome. It’s about the journey … When I take this jersey off, I hope I left it better than when I found it and that everyone back home knows every time I put it on, I did it with the utmost amount of pride and passion and can’t wait to see who is going to be wearing it next. I hope they can carry it forward and leave it better than I left it.” – Canadian Women’s basketball player Natalie Achonwa