How to Raise an Every-Day Olympian, Part 1

Feb 10, 2014 by Jim and Jerolyn Bogear

This last week, Jim and I watched a special on TV called, “How to Raise an Olympian” (NBC, 2/5/14) There are probably a dozen blogs Jim and I could write based on that 1-hour program. It was filled with so many wonderful values-based principles.

There are very few Olympic athletes in comparison to all athletes. They are the elite. So I want to just look today at an overview of how to raise an Every-Day Olympian.

First, setting aside an Olympian’s high athleticism, what does it take in their character to become an Olympic athlete?

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Mariano Rivera: A Man of Character

Nov 18, 2013 by Jim and Jerolyn Bogear

“One of the most iconic careers in major league history is ending: Mariano Rivera, two months from turning 44, has thrown his last pitch (italics mine).”  Rivera pitched for the New York Yankees. He became the greatest “closer” of all time. (Closer is a pitcher who enters, typically the 9^th inning, to finish the game).

“The end of his career, however, is hardly the end of his imprint. Rivera’s personage is so humble, godly even, that his legacy will go on. Few players in any sport have retired with more reverence from his peers…Rivera has become an enduring ideal, a template of what it means to be a pitcher, a teammate, and a friend.”

There are several stories related in this Sports Illustrated article, but two of those about his character stood out.

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Nobility

May 16, 2013 by Jim and Jerolyn Bogear

Recently, in the span of nine days I have officiated 3 funerals and attended 1. One of those was a funeral for a mom on Mother’s Day weekend. That should cause us all to stop and reflect. So I ask a question particularly to women this time. How do you want to be remembered?

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