Hillgrove for the Olympics ‘24 By: Maylene Michel

The Olympics describes itself as “the world’s foremost multi-sports event,” and its essence as “…athletes present and [a] number of people from different nations gathered together at the same time, in the same place, in the spirit of friendly competition.” The College of Natural Resources News claims that “The Olympics are unlike any other sporting event in the world because of their capacity to unite people through a shared enthusiasm for sport on a global scale.” Hillgrove agrees: sophomore Mia Hite commented, “I think the point of it is to show pride and passion for your country, like, it shows a lot of unity.” The Olympic Games endorse the union of people and their cultures. This year’s Olympics especially proved to unite the students of Hillgrove and induce many colorful opinions from them. This stands to reason, considering “Team USA topped the overall medal chart with 126 total medals (40 golds, 44 silvers, 42 bronzes) for the eighth consecutive Games," on the report of the United States Olympics & Paralympic Committee.

Although this sporting event brought Hillgrove together, it is best known for its global origins and impact. According to Britannica, the Olympic Games “were held in honor of Zeus at Olympia by the city-state of Elis in the northwestern Peloponnese.” The first games to be recorded happened around 776 BCE. After a short 1,500-year break, they started back up in 1896 and have been anticipated universally ever since. These games brought Greece together, and eventually the world.

Hillgrove’s views of this year’s Olympic Games came from their hearts; some heartfelt, some more lighthearted. Mia Hite declares that her favorite athlete, beach volleyball player Kristen Nuss, is her favorite because “she overcame a lot of restrictions… so it's like if she can do it, she's the inspiration that you can do it.” Conversely, second year student Ansley Hackney shares that she favors Simone Biles, “just because she makes me feel so patriotic.” Although every student viewed the Olympics differently, three students have strikingly similar views regarding notorious breakdancing events this year. Tenth grader Mia Hoage clarifies her standpoint, concluding that she hopes not to see this year’s athletes “back in four years because we need some good breakdancers and not whatever that was.” Ansley Hackney’s outlook was more diplomatic: “… it was definitely a contemporary style… She put her heart on the field; she left it all on the stage.” 

Ultimately, the 2024 Olympic games are ones to be remembered, and Hillgrove’s students have proven that they won’t be the ones to forget.