History and the Contemporary Scene
The ancient Olympic Games began in 776 BC when Koroibos, a cook from the nearby city of Elis, won the stadion race, a 600-foot-long foot race. Although the history dates back well over 2000 years, it was revived at the first Olympic Congress, held at the Grand Amphitheatre at the Sorbonne University from 16 to 23 June 1894.
This game has a rich history of athletes who captured our imaginations with amazing feats. The Olympics is one of the most essential games for athletes, as it has always helped them excel and push themselves towards becoming the best, whether in track, pool, or gym. The most recent Olympic Games, the 2024 Paris Olympics, brought together athletes from around the world who strove to break records, set personal bests, and inspire millions of young sports enthusiasts with their dedication and sportsmanship.
Athletic Idols Who Strived and Inspired
Athletes across the globe have inspired youngsters who love sports and aspire to be one.
India has also contributed significantly to the Olympics. Stars like Karnam Malleswari(bronze in weightlifting at the 2000 Sydney Olympics), Abhinav Bindra(2008 Beijing Olympics, won gold in the 10m Air Rifle event), P.V Sindhu (silver medal in Badminton at the 2016 Rio Olympics), Neeraj Chopra (2020 Tokyo Olympics, won gold in the men’s javelin throw), Sushil Kumar(bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver at the 2012 London Olympics), M.C. Mary Kom(bronze medal in boxing at the 2012 London Olympics) has shown the importance of hard work and dedication. Their journey has taught the young that success is not just about winning but about competing with integrity and determination.
Inspiring Stories of Olympic Champions and the Lessons in Resilience and Perseverance
The 2024 Olympics added new chapters with extraordinary performances by Indian athletes. Their perseverance despite battling an injury, Neeraj Chopra threw his season’s best in the javelin, showcasing remarkable resilience. The shooting team, including Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh, Swapnil Kusale in rifle events and Aman Sehrawat in wrestling, all contributed to India’s tally of six medals, including a silver and five bronzes.
“This tenacity of our champions has taught our students an invaluable lesson: setbacks are just setups for comebacks.”
The Olympic journey is fraught with hurdles, yet our athletes leap over them gracefully. Lakshya Sen came heartbreakingly close in badminton, Saikhom Mirabhai Chanu missed the podium in weightlifting, and Vinesh Phogat faced a tough disqualification in the wrestling finals. These moments, filled with highs and lows, illustrate the unpredictable nature of sports and the unyielding spirit of Indian athletes.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Teamwork and collaboration are the foundation on which individual athletes and group sports like hockey and relay races underscore the importance of passing the baton smoothly to support your teammates for a big win!
For students, this translates into learning how to work collaboratively in the classroom and beyond, understanding that every team member plays a role in achieving victory.
The Indian hockey team’s spirited performance added a bronze to the nation’s collection, which can be seen as a significant example of a team’s determination and skill.
Resilience and Sportsmanship as a Growth Mindset
Many schools in India are leading a silent revolution where children learn from various walks of life. Sports are important in building a growth mindset, and Olympians have exemplified it by constantly learning, adapting, and improving.
They teach us that skills are honed over time through practice and persistence. This message is essential for students to recognise intelligence and talent as simply the starting blocks; the real race is won by those committed to continuous learning and improvement.
CMR Gandhi Public School Celebrates Olympic Spirit in Everyday Learning
As we reflect on the journey and achievements of Olympic heroes, it is clear that their “will do” spirit touches students’ lives, and it is not different at CMR Gandhi Public School. At each stage of student learning, our school integrates these lessons of resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship.