Real legends are multiple Olympians

During the course of the week I found it surprising that someone described being at the Olympics as a once in a lifetime event.

This would imply that a person will only go to the Olympics once in their lifetime.

It also implies that once you get to the Olympics, one should try to experience as much as possible while there.

But I believe that way of thinking is a little short-sighted and shows lack of vision.

I can understand that it is not every day that one gets a chance to go to such events but a person of ambition will tell you that way of thinking will lead you nowhere.

In fact, one should actually learn from the examples of legendary Olympians who were not satisfied at winning at just one event.

Because even though participating at the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of most athletes’ career, the real legends are multiple Olympians.

Guys like Carl Lewis, Michael Johnson, the late Emil Zátopek, (a Czechoslovakian who, in my opinion is the greatest runner in the history of athletics) and our very own Frank Fredericks repeatedly competed at the Games.

The same can be said of swimmer Michael Phelps, who has now won the most medals at the Olympics.
Since Namibia is part of the world and no longer isolated, thinking of the Olympics as a once in a lifetime event is detrimental to the development of sport in the country.

It implies that we will always just be happy to participate at the Olympics, instead of really going out of our way to compete.

Namibians are very much capable of competing with the best in the world in all sectors of their lives and should not stand back for anyone.

This is something that should be drumed into all in the Land of the Brave because the world will not just give you respect without having earned it.

And respect will be earned by those who keep on returning to the Olympics, not the one-hit wonders.