The Olympics always inspire me. The ideal the Olympic movement represents is wonderful: peaceful unity through shared love of sport. I love how so many athletes achieve their personal best in this setting because they are competing against the best in the world. When Eric Heiden competed in the 1980 Winter Games there was a feeling among coaches from many countries and his competitors that the gold in every speed skating event would be his. But if you had the great fortune to be a skater competing head to head against him, your chances of getting the Silver medal and your best performance ever were greatly increased. And that turned out to be exactly true!
I know the Olympics aren’t perfect. Hosting them can set a city back financially for many years. Countries may use them for propaganda (I think of the U.S.S.R or East Germany during the cold war, or North Korea during these Olympics). They can be the setting for disaster (I think of the slaying of Israeli athletes at the hands of Palestinian terrorists during the 1972 Munich games). But so often the Games get it right—showcasing global talent, fascinating cultures, and how diverse our own country is and how blessed we are by the vibrant contributions of immigrants.
When I heard that North and South Korea would enter the Olympic stadium together this year I wept. When I saw it I could hardly believe it. It may be a cynical 
charm offensive by a ruthless dictator. But I believe the imagery will evoke a sense that we can put aside our differences in favor of joining together to celebrate what we have in common. Symbols matter.
I was touched to learn during the opening ceremony that the reason people in Asian cultures use their family name first is to remind themselves that they’re involvement in a group is the most important aspect of who they are. More so than being an individual. It reminds me that we are put together in families so we can reach our full potential. And that no one achieves the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom alone—only as couples.
Have you seen Maame Biney interviewed? She’s the teenage speed skating sensation from Ghana who is now a US citizen. To see her smile and her enthusiasm, to witness her joy and exuberance, to experience her love of life, is a life-changing experience.
My life has been altered for the better as a result of the example of many athletes who’ve worked so hard to develop their talents so they might excel to the highest degree of which they are capable. Nadia Comăneci, Kerri Strug, Jesse Owens, Emil Zatopek. And the list goes on and on. I’m grateful 
to these athletes for enriching my life and I’m grateful to Pierre de Coubertin for having the vision to spearhead the modern Olympic movement.
The Olympics, more than any other occasion, teaches me that we are all, truly, sisters and brothers in the vast family of mankind.