The search for the Olympic spirit

People talk about him all the time. You can't ignore him. It is almost omnipresent: the Olympic spirit. A phenomenon and an indispensable companion – if he is a man – at this event, the largest sporting event in the world. He's always been there and probably gets bored every now and then, because he's usually only allowed out of his hiding place every two years (it's probably a bottle). Sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter. At least it's a nice change.

So now he's floating around Tokyo. Somewhere between all the competition venues he gets up to mischief, gives his blessing or viciously attacks them when he's in a bad mood. Finding him isn't easy because he doesn't stick to timetables. But it is there, definitely, just not for everyone. Amemiek von Vleuten, the Dutch cyclist, had desperately searched for him and was then completely deserted when she celebrated winning the gold medal at the finish line, because the joy was only short-lived. After crossing the finish line, Amemiek von Vleuten believed that she had won the gold medal. © APA/afp / GREG BAKER

She was quickly informed that the Austrian Anna Kiesenhofer had crossed the finish line long before her. The entire favored Dutch team had simply forgotten the mathematician living in Switzerland and initially ignored her attempt to break away, not even registering it. Kiesenhofer, who otherwise leads a completely normal life and can easily be described as an ambitious hobby racing driver, acted cleverly. Training is only possible after an eight-hour day. It was basically not possible for her to win but that's just what they are, the big surprises that probably elicit a subtle smile from the Olympic spirit. 12-year-old Syrian girl: “Fight for your dreams” It doesn't always have to be about decisions. Simply being there is sometimes enough and so the Olympic spirit certainly held its protective hand over the table tennis player Hend Zaza from Syria. She was even allowed to carry the Syrian flag at the opening ceremony, becoming the youngest participant in these Olympic Games. She lost her opening encounter against Liu Jia from Austria, who was 27 years older than her, after 24 minutes of play, and her statements will be remembered. “I had to fight for this and this is my message to everyone who is in the same situation: Fight for your dreams, stick with it, no matter what difficulties you have, then you will achieve your goal.” So that's what a twelve-year-old says The war in their country has made them grow up quickly. A normal childhood was never possible, sport gave her the chance to see the world. The Olympic spirit guided them with tender hands. Hend Zaza, 12-year-old hopeful from Syria. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

Hend Zaza has become a small star and a hope for many who cannot lead a normal life in their homeland. Zaza will return to Syria, while some of her compatriots have found a new home, such as Wael Shueb, who came to Germany in the summer of 2015 and is now also in Tokyo because he was nominated for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refugee team. He is a karate fighter and his sport has been added to the program for these Olympic Games. Fighting spirit is part of his life, combined with a message: “I try to give my family strength by showing what you can achieve as a refugee,” says Shueb, who is now so well integrated in Germany that he even works as a karate trainer has a permanent position. His sister, who lost her husband in the war, is currently moving around the Turkish-Syrian border area with her five children. Always go where she believes the fighting isn't too intense. It is not easy for Sbueb to ignore the fate of his family. It works when he stands on the mat.

At this moment you can feel it again, the Olympic spirit that somehow animates everyone who has been preparing for their mission under the sign of the five rings for years. Of course, he doesn't have much time to rest after Tokyo this time. He must and will probably move on, although he can at least stay in Asia. Due to the postponement of the Summer Games from 2020 to 2021, the Winter Olympics will take place in seven months. In Beijing. Whether that was a wise decision remains to be seen.

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The search for the Olympic spirit

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