If you’re anything like us, you’ve been glued to your screens the last two weeks soaking in the greatness that is the 2024 Olympics this Summer.
Whether you’re catching whatever event is being aired LIVE on CBS, or navigating the Peacock app like a champ, you just can’t ignore the feel good vibes and unification the Olympics are creating! I’ve been late to social obligations because I just had to watch Suni compete on the uneven bars or I simply could not miss Ledecky’s victory. CANNOT MISS!
And not to make everything about us, but we just can’t help but notice the parallels between the examples we are seeing from the athletes in Paris and the core tenants we uphold here at The BRA Network! For example, one of our shared core values is that we embody a collaborative mindset and encourage our Members to hire each other first. We believe greatness between women is fostered when we show up for each other.
The 2024 Olympics in Paris have been a shining example of athleticism, determination, and global unity. But beyond the medals and records, what stands out is the powerful display of support, particularly in the female competitions.
In an arena that often pits competitors against each other, the 2024 Olympics have shown that women can not only compete fiercely, but also uplift and empower one another. This is something the BRA network believes in deeply.
Let’s take a little deep dive into some of the incredible camaraderie seen at the games this year!
Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee: A Legacy of Support
Simone Biles, a gymnast who has already left an indelible mark on the sport, continued to show her unwavering support for her teammates. During the gymnastics team events, Simone was seen constantly encouraging Suni Lee, a younger teammate who had previously won gold in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
As Suni performed under immense pressure, Simone’s presence and words of encouragement were a testament to the bond they share. This mutual support was crucial in helping the U.S. team secure a podium finish, reminding the world that behind every great athlete is a team that believes in them.
Albertina Kassoma and Gabriela Moreschi
During a handball match, Angola’s team captain Albertina Kassoma collapsed on the court with an injured knee. While many people rushed to her aid, what happened next is something we won’t soon forget.
First, the goalkeeper from the opposing team from Brazil, Gabriela Moreschi, rushed over to help Albertina and assist her off the court. Then, another Brazilian player, Tamires Morena, stepped in and scooped up Albertina and carried her to a chair. As soon as fans witnessed this gracious and supportive gesture, the crowd roared with approval.
Who doesn’t love witnessing a supportive moment between Olympians?? This is an image that will stick with us for a while!
Katie Ledecky and Ariarne Titmus: Rivalry Turned Respect
Stanford graduate Katie Ledecky arrived in Paris already boasting seven Olympic gold medals and twenty-one world championship titles. But on August 3rd, after clinching her ninth Olympic gold and becoming the most decorated female swimmer and American female athlete of all time, Ledecky realized she had reached a new pinnacle.
The significance of the moment wasn’t lost on her competitor, Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, who had just earned a silver medal. As Ledecky paused in the water, seemingly lost in thought, Titmus approached her, grasped Ledecky’s hand across the lane divider, and raised it high to ensure she took in the cheers from the elated crowd. Titmus then offered Ledecky a hug and words of congratulations.
Katie Ledecky…AGAIN!
And speaking of Ledecky, let’s not forget her class move of winning Gold in the 800m freestyle and inviting her teammate, Paige Madden, who won Bronze, to share the podium with her during the national anthem. A class act and such an act of support and solidarity! I’m not crying, you are!!!
The examples go on and on and we absolutely LOVE to see it.
Here at The BRA Network we’ve known since our inception that showing up for each other, believing in collaboration over competition, and hiring each other first are values on which we would not waver.
The 2024 Olympics have not just been a stage for athletic excellence, but a reminder of these powerful core values, and the power that comes from empowering one another.
From the gymnastics arena to the soccer field, from the track to the pool, these athletes have shown that when women uplift each other, they create a force that transcends competition.
Their stories inspire us to recognize the strength in unity and the power of solidarity.
The 2024 Olympics are ending, but the lessons are endless…
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