Inspirational Character Lessons From Incredible Olympic Stories

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I love to share real-life heroes with my children: real people who overcome challenges, reach across barriers, and do good and amazing things.  The 2014 Winter Olympics may be over, but we can still use these stories to teach our children precious character lessons.




I love to watch a good competition as much as anyone, but the stories that were the most moving for me were stories of people overcoming challenges and displaying the best aspects of human nature.  

These five inspired me:

Noelle Pikus-Pace returns from bone-crushing injuries, child-bearing, and devastating loss to claim a silver medal in the skeleton: http://www.nbcolympics.com/knsd/noelle-pikus-pace-silver-medal-sochi-olympics-happy-family-posnanski?ctx=olympic-journey 

Shaun White, famous for winning gold as a snowboarder, jumps over a barrier to make a 10-year old cancer-fighting fan feel special:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/shaun-white-olympic-moments-and-mettle-without-a-color/2014/02/11/94fa0968-9354-11e3-84e1-27626c5ef5fb_story.html

Shaun White, favorite for gold, shows a good attitude and great sportsmanship after coming in 4th place:  http://www.chicagonow.com/tween-us/2014/02/shaun-white-not-medaling-olympics/

Canadian Coach Justin Wadsworth jumped up and provided a ski for a Russian athlete whose ski was broken, allowing the athlete to ski through the finish line:  http://www.thestar.com/sports/sochi2014/skiing/2014/02/11/canadian_coach_lends_helping_hand_to_russian_skier_in_cross_country_skiing_at_sochi_olympics.html

Canadian Alex Bilodeau hugs his brother Frederic and dedicates his gold medal to him:  http://www.today.com/sochi/gold-medal-skier-alex-bilodeau-his-special-needs-brother-hes-2D12092198

What about you?  Did you watch the Olympics?  Was there a story that inspired you?  Was there an athlete you used as a role model to teach your children?  I'd love to know!!



I may share at any of these parties!

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