The Olympics this year have been complicated to say the least.
Double standards over cannabis and mental health, discrimination against Black bodies, sexual abuse in fencing team and ableism in swimming. Then there’s the whole fact that the host city largely doesn’t want this happening during a pandemic and is hearing the burden.
But, as in life, there are also all kinds of moments of triumph, joy, and breaking down barriers to celebrate. Most things come with both flavors.
The thing that got me hyped this round were the real memorable performances by #TeamPHI.
From @hidilyndiaz working her way from not finishing in 2012 to bringing home the Philippines’ first gold medal…
…to @margielyndidal apparently having more fun than anybody else, despite hailing from a country where skate parks are real hard to come by…
…to @knottyourcheese making me excited to see her future in the world of running…
…to @neshpetecio dedicating her W to the LGBT community.
And with more time, Eumir Marcial’s skill and sportsmanship are worthy of note. And Lee Kiefer and Kayla Sanchez turning out for the US and Canada.
Growing up, the sports fan in me and my Filipino heritage used to seem worlds apart. Love seeing that gap dismantled year after year.