LET’S ALWAYS BE AN OLYMPIC FANS

Greetings from Paris. We are still here, enjoying the Paris Olympic Games from Parisian lands.

Even though this is my second time, I still find myself surprised and moved by each competition, each achievement, each record, and even each failure.

10,500 athletes have gathered in one city to seek recognition and global success. When we talk about 10,500, out of the billions of inhabitants on Earth, we’re talking about the world’s elite. Now imagine that only one in each competition ends up standing out above the rest.

So far, Mexico has won 3 medals, two of which are silver. And in this case, rather than focusing on the amount of success this may or may not signify, I’ve preferred to focus on the reaction and support of the Mexican people towards their athletes.

Being here, it’s even more gratifying and surprising to see how one person can unite millions to witness their competition. And this time, we must add that the time zones are quite challenging, and that’s why, from here, the effort of waking up early to shout “Let’s go Mexico” at the TV is triply appreciated.

It’s been said – jokingly – that we are now becoming experts in surfing, judo, diving, archery, etc., etc. And that’s the essence of what I want to convey today.

Unfortunately, this Olympic spirit only comes around every 4 years. That millions of people, who know absolutely nothing about that sport, gather to watch their representatives win, is something that should be carried over to other areas and more regularly. Because there’s nothing beyond the simple pride of seeing one of our own compete. Without even knowing the athlete, because sadly that’s how it is. 90% of the athletes who represent us don’t arrive at the Olympic Games being ‘famous’ or ‘recognized’ by the country, but there we are, the Mexicans. Shouting for each arrow shot, each dive executed, and now, even for each judo match.

It would be fantastic if, just like these two weeks, Mexicans could feel proud of a painter, a musician, an actor, a lawyer, or any profession that comes to mind.

Unfortunately, the infamous ‘crab mentality’ will return in a matter of weeks. And the criticisms and comments to undermine any success one of our own may achieve will be back.

Let’s not go too far; the next penalty that Santi Giménez misses, or the next thrashing that Guillermo Ochoa receives, will bring joy to many Mexicans. Isn’t it the same? A Mexican, competing at the elite level and trying to represent us in the best way possible.

There’s one more week of Olympic competitions left, and it will be time to become experts in shot put, pentathlon, artistic swimming, and taekwondo. To shout the name of that athlete you just got to know but wish them the best. And I’ll go further; also, during these days, we respect and value our rivals more. In the arenas of Paris, you don’t hear homophobic slurs, nor are things thrown at athletes. And that, that is the spirit of an Olympic competition.

We will continue sending greetings from Paris, hoping to have good news and that, regardless of fandom, tastes, political preferences, or sexual orientations, during these days we continue to defend Mexico and our people, even if it’s from the TV.

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