Why Olympic Rivals Cheer One Another Instead of Hating

Ok, I know that the idea of an Olympic athlete helping a struggling competitor cross the finish line is the most iconic of Olympic cliches. And yes, I do still love those stories when they happen. But there were some interesting articles exploring how the spirit of humanity is emerging once again at these Games, and why athletes who seem like they should hate one another are actually cheering the loudest for each other in otherwise empty venues at Tokyo 2020.

Each one points to the idea that the old rivalries fueled by the Cold War or invented by the media just don't reflect the reality that many athletes often train together with rivals and see one another at events throughout the years leading up to the Olympics.

In other words, they are already friends before the Games ever start. So the next time you're watching one of those overblown TV segments about an epic showdown between two athletes, consider this: they may be rivals in real life, but they may just as likely be sharing a drink together after the competition is over. The world could definitely use a bit more of that.