Have you been watching the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea?  There’s many stories that may be capturing our attention and Olympic moments that are inspiring.  One that stood out to me was Lindsey Vonn getting the bronze medal in downhill skiing.  She is one of the greats in her sport and came back from some terrible injuries to be able to compete in these Olympics at 33 years-old.  Sure, Lindsey Vonn wanted to go out with a gold medal–but nothing is guaranteed in the Olympics (or in life for that matter!)

If you read the headlines, the coverage of this Olympic moment vary greatly:
“Lindsey Vonn breaks down in tears after final Olympic downhill race” (The Washington Post)
“The Authentic Emotion of Lindsey Vonn’s Final Downhill Skiing Race” (The New Yorker)
“American Lindsey Vonn takes bronze in women’s downhill race” (ESPN)
“Lindsey Vonn’s dad is not impressed with her bronze medal” (New York Post) 

That last headline gave me pause (as it was meant to do, of course!)  It seems that her father gave an interview after the race where he quoted another great skier, saying that there’s two places in every race, first and last, and he only wants one of them.  Knowing what his daughter overcame to be able to complete in these Olympics, let alone medal, this comment seemed insensitive to say the very least.  

What I saw was someone embodying Hebrews 12:1 “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”  I saw Lindsey Vonn’s genuine emotions at this probably being the last time she can compete in the Olympics because her body just can’t take anymore.  I saw someone who truly loves what she does coming to terms with a new chapter in her life.  And I saw a hopeful story for anyone who faces adversity because her story can connect to our stories.  So Lindsey Vonn’s bronze medal is worth celebrating on many levels!  Just a thought for this week.

(This Week’s Thoughts 2.22.18)