Perspective

Photo from MSNBC.com

Perspective is often hard won.  Thursday night's Women's Olympic Figure Skating Finals proved to be a living example of how much perspective shines a light on actions, regardless of how the official judging criteria tally up at the end of the day.

I was searching for a photo that captured the truth of these marvelously talented skater's self perceptions about their performances at the Olympics.  Mercifully, I think the press  corps have been very selective about what photos have been released in the media.  Some of the camera shots that were captured surely weren't the most flattering.  If you watched the medal ceremony during the playing of South Korea's national anthem, you may have noticed:

• that Yu-Na Kim was elated - overcome by tears of happiness and relief
• that Mao Asada was bitterly disappointed, but truly trying to be gracious 
• that Joannie Rochette was happy -- and sad -- generally overwhelmed by a medal that she earned and dedicated to her departed mother

Off the podium, there were two U.S. skaters who were shining examples of women who were proud of their performances.  Though some fans of U.S. skating were disappointed not to see an American on the Olympic medal podium for the first time in decades.  Rachael Flatt and Mirai Nagasu both had ecstatic expressions of joy on their faces after they finished their long programs.  Rachael placed 7th and Mirai placed 4th.  Not too shabby if you consider where they were competing!  However, it's not too uncommon to see disappointment when the medals aren't placed around skater's necks, so it was refreshing to see young women who understood what they had achieved.

The back-stories for all of these skaters was so different.  Each one's individual circumstances contributed to their perception of their place in Olympic history.  

Both Yu-Na and Mao had the hopes of their nation on their shoulders.  They are the same age and have similar expectations of themselves.  So it is easy to understand why Mao would feel disappointment despite an exceptional performance and a silver medal.

Joannie, well, let's just say that thinking about what she pulled off makes me tear up right now.  I cannot even begin to imagine what it felt like to lose her mother just days before stepping onto Olympic ice to compete.  Oh, it makes my heart ache.  And, then to see her skate so beautifully and emotionally and just so well.  Oh, my heart swells.  Lovely.   

The young American women both skated beautifully.  Both artistically and technically.  They are up and comers.  They know that barring any unforeseen circumstances, they both stand a very good chance of skating at the Olympics again in 4 years.  So, they performed to the best of their abilities and reveled in doing their best.  


I think they may be my favorites out of all of the women skaters.  Just because they remind me to value my best.  To judge myself against my standards, not the standards of others.

I loved watching all of these women skate.  They certainly helped me learn a few things.  None of which was how to do a triple flip or a triple axle.


Peace.