In a recent email with grandfather I asked him if he had been partaking in any of the Olympics and he replied “No, I haven't watched the Olympics in years. Hope you enjoyed the spectacle and the events. I used to enjoy watching the competitive events themselves, but the increased nationalistic chest-thumping was jarring to the enjoyment of the sport events and became boring to me.”

One could make the argument that my grandfather has simply adopted an elitist view (he has been quoted as saying that blueberry bagels are an abomination..) but sometimes when watching the Olympics its hard not to be overcome with the marketing, branding, corporitization or “nationalistic chest-thumping” that have become synonymous with the modern Olympics.

However even if in the actual Olympic games the Olympic Spirit has been lost, it still resonates strongly at any local races I have participated at. Perhaps it is a testament to the Austin racing community but to see some of the top 10 finishers head back to finish line shortly after finishing and cheer on their competitors - that is what the Olympic Spirit is about to me.

OrganicAthlete is certainly not in line with what the Olympics have become, but has and can continue to be a shining becon of hope for the Olympic spirit.