A concluding sentiment to the 2020 Olympic Games
Editor's note: Evita Griskenas of Orland Park, who trains at the North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center in Prospect Heights - recognized as one of the top training facilities in North America - represented the United States in the individual rhythmic gymnastics competition at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The Herald asked if she would provide her thoughts on her sport and adventures. Griskenas placed 12th in the qualification round, two positions from an appearance in the final, followed by teammate Laura Zeng of Libertyville, who placed 13th. Griskenas returned to the United States on Monday.
It is commonly said that the Olympic Games are about togetherness - where sportsmanship and emotion unite. The good, the bad; tears flow and people live out memories that last lifetimes and inspire generations to come to be better, faster, stronger.
It wasn't truly until I was a part of the environment, however, that I finally understood the genuine impact of the Games. They are a period of time where bits and pieces of the world gather together to celebrate the extraordinary feats of what the human mind, body and soul can accomplish.
Yes, you represent your country (a great privilege and honor), but you also empathize with those around you, regardless of origin and sport, to cultivate a unified force. Within the current worldly state of uncertainty, to call this a moment of encouragement is an understatement.
If anyone could have held an Olympics during this time, it is Japan. Looking around the village, the amount of detailed thought and care is very cleverly integrated.
While some volunteer jobs may have appeared unnecessary at first glance, they really helped with the safety and efficiency. For example, there were several volunteers whose jobs were to keep live counts of people entering and leaving a location (such as the cafeteria) to provide data that was then displayed on monitors throughout the village.
This allowed for participants to better plan out their timings and keep themselves from being in a crowded location.
In addition, an abundance of personnel at security checkpoints made the process of scanning bags, checking credentials and taking temperatures a very quick process. (I don't think I had to wait in a single line while going through!)
Too, the kindness and willingness of the volunteers to help and spread cheer will always be appreciated. Upon departure and arrival to venues, people happily waved, said words of encouragement, and even traded pins with the athletes and coaches. They made us feel welcome and comfortable, even when they didn't absolutely have to.
Between the excitement of your own competition, hearing joyful cheers around the Village as teams won and achieved extraordinary feats, and the warmth of the Japanese hosts, it was a reminder that we are connected in one way or another.
The 2020 Olympic slogan, "United by Emotion," is not simply a cheesy sentiment, but rather a very earnest and appropriate one.
With the extinguished Tokyo flame came the end of an era. But as one light goes out, another reignites. Here's to Paris 2024!