A lot recently went on during the Olympics.  The excitement of the sporting event drifted as we all watched distractions take us away from the positive intent. Ryan Lochte was able to draw attention onto himself not for swimming, but rather foolishness that could have been avoided.

Olympic athletes are a different breed and sometimes misunderstood. There are a number of things we should all understand as it relates to athletes who participate in the Olympic games:

– They are not handsomely paid for their efforts

– Sponsorship is not easy to obtain and often not enough

– Many of these athletes work odd jobs to support their training efforts

– College is often delayed due to a harsh training regimen

-Social growth from teenage through college years is much different than your typical childhood

– Lastly, their home becomes their suitcase for years

At the end of the day a ton is taken on to become an Olympic athlete and it needs to be respected by the athlete as much as the spectator.  Ryan Lochte has been in the spotlight for sometime and he clearly is a front runner in his sport. People make mistakes that need to be forgiven. His foolish behavior cost him plenty and most importantly his reputation. I wonder how coaches and other associates in his sport feel about right now? It is critical when you become a high profile athlete in your discipline that you also behave. Talk when you need too…..stay away from the noise……..and most certainly respect all the cultures around you. The Olympics are meant to pull us all together in unity and not pull us a part. Ryan Lochte learned his lesson quickly by losing monetary rewards and was put in a position where he had to be honest.   In the end, the noise did die down, however it would have been nice if we started and ended with unity……not distractions.