Olympics Speeches presented in Headmaster's Assembly from Finlay Bayne and Sophie Dunn

Finlay Bayne: 

Waking up on a cold winter's morning smack bang in the middle of July, running down the hall, through the kitchen, straight to the couch with a blanket wrapped firmly around me and a remote in my hand. As I flick on the telly, the familiar olympic jingle fills the room, sending waves of excitement through me. I could never understand how they did it, how they jumped so high, how they ran so fast, how they threw so far. It was like watching superheroes come to life, performing feats that seemed beyond the realm of possibility. The screen lit up with the vibrant colors of the Olympic Games, each country represented by athletes who had trained their entire lives for this moment.

So what are the Olympics, and why are they so significant in our world?
It all began in ancient Greece, over 2,700 years ago, when the first Olympic Games were held in Olympia. These early games were not just a sporting event but a crucial part of Greek culture, honoring the god Zeus and bringing together the city-states in a rare moment of unity and peace. The games fostered a sense of shared identity and mutual respect. The event was so important that a truce was declared, allowing athletes and spectators to travel safely to Olympia. This spirit of peace and cooperation, even if only temporary, was a testament to the powerful role that sport could play in divided lands.

Fast forward to 1896, and we start to see the creation of the modern Olympics that we can still see aspects of today. It was at this time that the International Olympic Committee was born, and with it, the modern era of the Olympic games. At the heart of the Olympics lies a set of values and ideals that transcend sport. These are the values of excellence, friendship, and respect. The Olympics are more than a competition; they are a celebration of human potential and a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and hard work. The athletes who gather from all corners of the globe are not just competitors; they are ambassadors of their nations, exemplifying the spirit of fair play and mutual respect.

Central to this philosophy is the Olympic motto, "Citius, Altius, Fortius," which means "Faster, Higher, Stronger." This simple yet profound motto encapsulates the essence of the Olympic spirit. It speaks to the relentless pursuit of personal and collective excellence. It's not just about winning medals but about striving to be better, to push boundaries, and to inspire others to do the same. This motto reminds us that the real victory lies in the journey, in the effort to surpass one's limits and to reach new heights.

The Games today are now more inclusive than ever, featuring a wider range of sports and welcoming athletes from every corner of the world. Events like the Paralympics and the Youth Olympic Games further extend the Olympic spirit, demonstrating a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the celebration of all forms of human excellence.

Sports have also evolved with the times, and in the games, now we have foiling windsurfers, break-dancers, and in the near future, Olympic e-sports competitors! I wonder what the Greek gods would really think about this new evolving era of the Olympics and whether they would approve of a competitor earning Olympic medals for playing the likes of grand tourism and chess.

Sophie Dunn:

Each and every four years people from all over the world gather to celebrate athletes and sport. To showcase their talents, perfected through countless hours of training, sacrifices, dedication and resilience.

As we watch the Olympics on TV, our first instinct is to criticise an athlete for landing a flip badly, making too much of a splash when diving, or missing a goal. This immediate judgment comes naturally as we overlook the effort and skill behind each sport and performance.  Every athlete has dreamed and worked tirelessly to strive towards the goal of competing at the Olympics. The effort, tears, and struggles are challenges that athletes face but are often not seen by the public. Behind every athlete, there is a story of sacrifice and perseverance, showing us that the real measure of success not only lies in the final result but in the hard work and resilience shown throughout their journey as an athlete.

A man who received 28 Olympic medals and has broken 39 world records is a man called Michael Phelps. We know him as one of the greatest swimmers of all time. However his swimming career wasn't all filled with success, but had difficulties and setbacks mentally and physically. Although he faced challenges such as public scrutiny, self-doubt, and personal struggles, he was able to turn these obstacles into opportunities for growth and learning. Confronting these barriers highlights his strength to achieve greatness.

Success and dealing with loss are vital parts of an Olympian's path. Success in the Olympics represents the peak of an athlete's career, dedication and  it is the result of the athletes pushing their body past their breaking point. Achieving success at this high level not only brings self fulfilment  but also inspires many young teens that their dreams can come true. For example, Usain Bolt's performances brought him worldwide recognition and showed the rewards of his hard work.

Dealing with loss and failure is also a crucial point in shaping an athlete's journey. Loss can come in many forms like missing a medal, facing injuries or being short of a personal goal. Although these moments of disappointment are difficult, they are pivotal moments in shaping an athlete's character. Simone Biles is a well-known gymnast. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she withdrew from many events to prioritise her mental health after struggling with a condition called the ‘Twisties’, which affected her performance. Despite this disappointment of not competing, her decision to step back and focus on her mental health highlights her courage. Simone's openness about her struggles and return to competition displayed a powerful example of how to manage setbacks while navigating the pressures of high-performing sports.  

The Olympics serve as a metaphor for the challenges encountered every day. Just as athletes train intensely, face setbacks, and strive for success and excellence, we also navigate obstacles and strive toward our goals. The determination of the Olympians inspires us to handle our own difficulties with the same commitment, showing that effort and determination are important to achieving what we want.