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The most important time was when Greg Louganis, a diver like me, hit his head
on the board on the reverse two and a half pike. He required medical attention
and stitches, but shortly afterwards returned to the board and went on to make to
the finals, winning the competition and retaining the Olympic Gold. Watching him
I realised the level of determination that is required to reach the Olympics.
My experience as an athlete and the opportunity of having watched
the Olympic Games in such an important time in my life have definitely affected
it. Today I teach Physical Education to very young children, some of them are
still a few years from really understanding the meaning of Olympic Games.
What I try to pass on them is the idea of fair play, the importance of being active
and of having determination to conquer even the more difficult goals in life. I may
not be preparing them for the Olympics but I want them to enjoy the challenges
and benefits of sport and understand important sporting values (team spirit,
sportsmanship, setting of example, etc.).
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