The Olympics gave us REAL ROLE MODELS

So, with the Olympics over, I’m feeling strangely conflicted. On the one hand I’m feeling totally inspired by the effort that all of the Olympian put into their performance.

Whether they came first or last, every one of those people did their utmost to represent not only their country, but themselves and their loved ones. And, whether they came first of last, every one of those people shone as examples of dedication, even obsession.

On the flip side of that however, I’m feeling strangely down after they finished.  It was great to see people from all aspects of society pulling together, and to see some role models that we can be proud of showing to our children. Celebrities – and in this I’m lumping footballers – so often give the wrong image to us and our children. They rely on heavy amounts of make up, airbrushing, fad diets, surgery and other cosmetic aids to achieve the bodies that the media feel we should aspire to. Not only that, but they seem to have the the ethics and morals of vultures.

The Olympians however – not counting any that have used drugs of course – got to be the way they are through dedication, determination and sheer bloody HARDWORK! Do you think that surgery or a fad diet would have helped Jane Jones, Jessica Ennis, Chris Hoy, Mo Farrah or any of the other Gold medallists perform the way they did? No on your nelly! They performed the way they did because they were prepared to put in the blood, sweat and tears necessary to achieve their dreams. This would have meant missed times with their families and loved ones, early nights, earlier mornings, training through injuries, training when all they really wanted to do was snuggle up and have a hug with the person they loved most.

These people are the ones that we should be holding up as a examples of what can be achieved to our children, and I hope that THEY are the ones who are now made celebrities, whilst keeping their heads screwed on. Long live the Olympics!