The Culture of Disordered Eating in Athletics

What do you cheer about?

I wanted to share with you a post to a sport psychology listserve.  Again, I find that I am posting something here not directly related to eating disorders; however, I find that thoughts such as those below can be inspiring and centering.  It is easy to lose focus and difficult at times to find our way back. 

I have received permission from the author to reproduce her thoughts here in their entirety...

Hello List,

I just had the opportunity to watch a debate on what decides which "COUNTRY" wins the Olympic Games. The Chinese press came out with the headline that "China wins Olympics! China has won the most "GOLD" medals."

Before I knew it, I was yelling my opinion at the TV...a little embarrassing. But the question becomes, "Is the Olympics about a "Country" winning the Olympics or is the opportunity to compete "representing" your country, in your particular event(s) what's important? Did Phelps win his gold medals so the USA would be higher in the medal count than China or did he do it to enter the history books as the most decorated swimmer of all time and put his talent on the line? Did the women's beach volleyball team win for themselves and bring honor to the USA or did they do it so the USA would gain more Olympic medals to be the best country in the world? And I could go on and on but you get the idea.

Would the USA winning more gold and/or medals overall, somehow transform America, into a stronger, more unified country? What about China? Will their claim of victory change the dictatorial nature of a repressive regime and lack of civil rights of it's citizens? No, neither is going to occur.

We cheer for the best talent. We cheer for the under-dog. We cheer for the one athlete a country could afford to send. We cheer for the beauty and grace of movement. The point is we cheer...we CHEER!!

It is, however, two weeks that give us an excuse to sit back and watch the best talent gathered in the world compete against each other. And it gives us a chance to cheer in ways we may not know in our daily lives.

I have a framed picture of an Olympic Torch ablaze with a USA / Olympic rings flag in the background. At the bottom it says, "Belief: At any given place, on any given day, at any given time, something magical can happen." That is what I choose to cheer about.

Whatever your convictions, the games bringing Country to the forefront, or raising up the athletes for their incredible performances, do this one thing for me...CHEER with your hearts out!!!!

As an aside, I do not think a "country" wins the Olympic Games.

All my best,

Betty

PS If you are on the side of there is a winning "country", I pity the person designated to orchestrate that final medal ceremony!

Betty Kelley, PHD

CEO/Mental Skills Coach

Performance Enhancement Group, Inc

480.838.5603 H/O

480.227.3586 Cell

bckelleyphd@cox.net

www.mentalskillscoaching.net

I hope you are able to believe that "at any given place, on any given day, at any given time, something magical can happen" for you.

The Olympics are here!!

Another Olympic games brings excitement, passion, and the realization of dreams.  It is a wonderful thing to be a spectator as some of the world's most well-trained, talented athletes take to their respective fields and perform. 

As you watch the Games unfold I would encourage you to watch for your enjoyment, inspiration and to cheer on your favorite athletes.  I would also encourage you to be wary of moments you may have that distract you from this.  The moments that cause you to compare your physique to an Olympic athlete's physique.  Be gentle with yourself and remember that these athletes train as if this IS their job...and for some it is.  Many of these athletes have state-of-the-art technology and highly-trained professionals informing and guiding their training.  The rest of us are not so fortunate!

Please enjoy the Games in the spirit for which they were initiated...to bring competitors together from across the globe to compete in a variety of games...for the purpose of bringing peace between nations.

(To borrow from a national ad campaign...) Go World!!