I used to be an athlete myself as soon as. I did a little bit of rhythmic gymnastics after I was youthful. I bear in mind sitting in entrance of the TV for hours, admiring each single routine as the 2 Russian gymnasts received gold and silver medals on the 2004 Athens Olympics.
I nonetheless love watching all types of gymnastics. I loved each second of Simone Biles’ efficiency on the Paris 2024 Olympics, the place she received many medals. However I now understand that it is common for wealthy and highly effective international locations to win many medals at such sporting occasions, which did not make sense to me on the time. It is actually stunning when athletes from much less rich international locations make it onto the medal podium. Take Algeria, for instance. Imane Khelif Boxing, or Pakistan Arshad Nadim Within the javelin, each athletes received gold medals in an surprising flip of occasions.
Is it sufficient to be born right into a wealthy and highly effective nation to win an Olympic medal? Positively not. It takes numerous onerous work, dedication, ache, sacrifice and…

