By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
If you are at all like me, you have been transfixed by both the pageantry and spectacle of the Olympics these past two weeks – or as the British would say “fortnight.” In terms of total metal count, the USA and China jockeyed back and forth as the leader for that prestigious distinction –with the United States finishing first in the medal race.
The United States has long considered itself to be the world’s melting pot. The proposition as to whether this country truly embraces its cultural and ethnic diversity is a discussion (and argument) for another time.
However, the make-up of the U.S. Olympic Delegation provides a visual reminder to the world of the inclusiveness of this country – if, for only, two weeks in the summer, every four years.
The multiculturalism of the United States has long since been on prominent display at the Olympic in sporting endeavors such as: track and field, boxing and basketball. But,this year’s U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Team was truly remarkable and quite different. The “Fierce Five,” as they are now known, more closely resembled the ethnic diversity in this country. Gymnasts Gabby Douglas and Kyla Ross provided a facelift to a cadre of gymnasts who typically look shockingly alike. (Notably, Gabby garnered two gold medals, including the individual all-around.)
Apparently, this multiculturalistic approach was not wasted on Great Britain , the Host Nation. The traditionally stodgy British seemed totally rejuvenated and fielded a team of athletes that now encapsulated the growing expanse of this nation.
Mo Farah, a British Somali international track and field athlete, captured gold in both 5,000 and 10,000 meters. Equally as impressive, was Nicola Adams’ journey to a gold medal. Nicola, a Black woman who was born in Leeds, England, became the first woman ever to win a gold medal at an Olympiad.
But clearly, the darling of these Olympic games for most British spectators was Jessica Ennis. Carrying the weigh of an entire nation on her shoulders, she courageously represented Great Britain in the Heptathlon, coming away with gold and winning the hearts of millions. And again, I feel compelled in noting that Jessica Ennis is bi-racial in ethnicity – the product of Jamaican and White British parentage.
There is no subject in England more divisive than immigration, but if anything brought this nation together it was the sterling performances of these multicultural athletes. Brits were now forced to put away their “stiff upper lip” demeanors and, instead, “high-five” their mates in full public display.
The solidarity of a nation could be felt.
Moreover, Great Britain ’s newfound appreciation of multiculturalism was now front and center for the world to see.