Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. What would you think of the Olympics? Is it world records? Is it Michael Phelps? Or gold medals? Some people think that the Olympics has lost its original spirit. It is now win at any cost.
To judge whether the Olympic Games has lost its initial spirit, we have to understand its original aim. As we all know, the Games aimed at developing international friendship, and being faster, higher, and stronger. In consideration of the above purpose and the present situation, I strongly disagree that the Games has lost its original spirit.
Firstly, the Games achieves the aim of building up global friendship. Take a look at the Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. There were both commanders from China, a country of socialism, and presidents from foreign countries, which practise capitalism. It was undoubtedly a successful ice-breaker that promoted international friendship. The Games also provides a friendly atmosphere for the athletes. During the prize giving ceremony, a South Korean athlete shook hands with one from North Korea. This shows that the Games is successful in developing international friendship.
Secondly, the Games helps encourage people to do their best. Numerous world records were broken during the last Olympic Games. In such a big event, people tried to run faster, jump higher and be stronger. Even though lots of people did not win the competitions, they had practised for years. It is also a kind of breakthrough. Thanks to the Games, people strive for better performance. Don’t you agree that the spirit of the Olympics is restored?
Thirdly, there is a real life example showing that winning the competition is not most important. A disabled athlete, who also joined the Paralympics, participated in the Olympics. Competing with the able-bodied athletes, she swam slowly and came almost the last in the end. But she was not upset because she finished the whole race. The spirit is not win at all costs. Instead, it is experience and progress.
Critics say that people want to win the competitions at all costs. They take drugs in order to perform better. However, they have never noticed that only a few athletes are dishonest. Most athletes are actually practising day after day to become more skillful.
I believe the original spirit of the Olympics is maintained. Not only does the Game help develop international friendship, but it also encourages everyone to have better performance. I hope that you’re your and my support, the spirit will go on in the 2012 Olympic Games held in the United Kingdom, in the 2016 Olympic Games held in Brazil and in all other Olympics. Let’s work together to restore the spirit and let go of the misbehaviour! Thank you.