On Friday, July 26, the world watched as the Olympic Games were officially opened in Paris, France. Two hundred and six countries are taking part. For the first time ever, the ceremonies took place outdoors. Ninety boats formed a parade down the Seine transporting 6,800 athletes over six kilometres of river.
It was indeed a grand beginning to the games. The exuberant mood of our Canadian athletes was wonderful to see. Not one person had yet entered into competition and that didn’t seem to matter. It was just the joy of taking part. It reminded me of what the spirit of the games is all about. Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games is quoted as saying, “The important thing in the Olympics is not winning but taking part. The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”
If ever there’s a statement that those of us who have walked the journey of Traumatic Brain Injury need to hear, it might be this one! Our day to day lives can often seem like total exertion. I remember recovery days in neurological rehab. I sometimes used to think my therapists were designing new ways to torture me and push me past the impossible. They would put up with my tears and frustrated rants on many occasions. Even now, many tasks can feel overwhelming and exhausting. Let’s face it – we’re survivors and we are all in these “games” of one sort or another. Our coaches are family members, community support groups and countless individuals who encourage us when the going gets rough. The medals we wear are those moments we take the small step forward and feel huge accomplishment in that.
I had the unique opportunity to travel to the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. What an experience to meet people from all over the world and actually sit in the stadium and cheer on our athletes. Cycling events were held in the Velodrome as well as road races. I was determined to pursue that sport at some point and I’m glad I did as it has given me years of enjoyment. 
It’s very inspiring to watch international cycling events like the Olympics and Tour de France. I constantly check my Strava results for time and speed, always wishing I could do better. Here’s the big reality check for me and perhaps for you too: do the best you can! For each one of us who are out there, trying to get back into life again, keep going. We’re part of a pretty amazing team and we can be proud of the efforts we’re making. Give grace to friends who are having a bad day, be forgiving with yourself.
For me, the most memorable moment of the ceremonies came as Celine Dion stood on the Eiffel Tower and performed for the first time in four years since being diagnosed with Stiff Persons Syndrome. I have watched her documentary “I am” on Prime. It is a deeply personal and vulnerable view of someone suffering the loss and disappointment of who they once were. Yet, with perseverance and determination, she worked with her therapists with this sole purpose in mind: to perform at the Olympics.
So, take heart fellow survivors – we belong to the greatest team around! We may not be able to ride the boats down the Seine River to the cheers of crowds, but we can encourage each other to do the very best we can do and that is true victory.
