The recent Olympics offer adequate proof that girls and women have become accomplished athletes.
But even more important than their athletic accomplishment was something I observed among the women athletes almost without exception: grace and class.
There were many opportunities to respond otherwise. Some of the favored teams and individuals were shocked to lose, some settled for a bronze medal when their hopes and expectations were for gold. But in most cases, the athletes' demeanor conveyed their feeling that losses were disappointments, not disasters. Very rarely did women blame the referees, the rules or their coaches.
I was particularly impressed with the attitude of the American soccer team, a group of women with talent and experience who were expected to win the gold medal. Many who watched it say it was the greatest game ever played. The Americans tied the game at 2-2 with 30 seconds left in regulation. Twelve minutes into sudden death overtime, the Norwegians scored. Some questioned the referee's decision not to call a penalty on a hand ball. Indeed, Julie Foudy, the American captain, asked the referee for an explanation.
International soccer does not use videotaped replays to monitor a referee's decision. Brandi Chastain, quoted in the September 29, New York Times, said: "The referee is part of the game, for good or bad. I'd prefer her to make the call in that instant than to rely on videotape."
Though visibly disappointed, the American women were gracious and complimentary to their opponents in defeat. Foudy said: "I think we need to applaud Norway for a great game," refusing to be drawn into a discussion of whether or not the call was fair.
I also saw a new graciousness, coupled with fierce tennis competition, in Serena and Venus Williams. I was pleased to see them as part of the opening ceremonies, where they seemed to relish the chance to mingle with other athletes. I heard them interviewed after they won the doubles. They talked about the fun they were having, and showed real admiration not only for others playing tennis, but for the many women they had met by allowing themselves to be part of the action, rather than aloof divas.
Like most television viewers, I was annoyed with the NBC's emphasis on Americans and on winning. But when I watched the TV coverage, with the mute on so I didn't have to hear inane commentators, I saw things that are hard to capture in words.
I saw Aboriginal Australian track star Cathy Freeman's smile and her look of determination. As she received her gold medal I could sense her pride as a person and as a representative of her people. It moved me to tears.
I also watched Marion Jones every time I could. I've been a fan ever since she played basketball for North Carolina, and recently read her biography. Her fortitude and grace in the light of husband C. J. Hunter's drug test, in the midst of her own outspoken goal of five gold medals, is nothing short of impressive.
As an athlete myself, I admire strength and power. I know something of the dedication it takes to be good at sport. When I see Jones exploding down the track, I am amazed at her talent. "Run like a girl?" Wow, that's a compliment. On the track, you don't see her smile; you just see determination and grit.
But on the medal stand, and in hundreds of interviews with the press, Jones' smile, her comments that she is here to enjoy the moment and have fun, are the lasting memories.
I love watching the Olympics because it gives me a chance to see women compete and achieve at a level no one dreamed possible when I was a kid. But at these games, more than ever, I saw individual performances, both on and off the playing fields, that demonstrated hard work, talent and the joy of sport. I think many of those who took home no medals, or one that was not gold or silver, realize the power of having the opportunity to compete with the best in the world. And that doesn't happen every day.
Reprint permission granted by the Minnesota Women's Press
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