Athletes coming from all over the world to compete at the Rio Olympics 2016 might belong to different races or countries and have different fortes in sports. However, all of them have one thing in common in that they have parents who've helped them achieved their dreams.
Some of these parents are also flying to Rio to witness and cheer on their sons and daughters as they complete. Perhaps they might even win a medal and honor for their family and home county. Many of these parents can attest that while it is their children who will be actually competing, they understand the challenges of the competition all too well, and know that the journey has not been easy.
Parents like Jane and Mark Renshaw, mothers Helen Downie and Caroline Peaty, shared their experiences and sacrifices via BBC. The Renshaw's daughter, Molly, is with the U.K. swim team, while Helen's girls, Becky and Ellie, are with the gymnastics team. Caroline's son, Adam, is also with the U.K. swim team.
As their children trained for years, these parents also woke up early or had to squeeze task after work to drive their kids to their training sites at least five times a week. They also had to set aside their own big dreams and even their retirement savings to finance their children's own dreams. Olympians have to invest in their equipment and needs out of their own pockets, or in this case, their parents pockets.
Over at Team Canada, Ashton Bauman from the swim team has gotten a lot of tips and advice from someone who knows what it's like to be an Olympian. Ashton's father, Alex Baumann, competed and won gold medals in 1984. His influence has clearly made a mark on his son. "I'll be there at his event cheering," the proud father said, per Global News Canada.
Team USA did a video for their parents, where they talked about their sacrifices, support and perseverance via WFLA. "Mom, thanks for giving me my lungs and my legs," said Emma CoBurn, who is on the track and field team. Another said that the gold medal is his biggest thanks for the sacrifices his mom made for him. You can watch the video below.
Meanwhile, Australian Olympian and flag bearer Anna Meares has had her parents support in many ways and they also traveled with her wherever she competed. They were in the Beijing Olympics and they were also there to give her a hug when she won a gold in London in 2012, per Daily Mail. But her parents won't be coming to the Rio Olympics 2016 at the athlete's own request. "She has a little bit of a concern about the security for visitors, which is what we would be," her father told Adelaide Now.
All these parents, regardless of how they have supported their children, express both excitement and apprehension for their kids at the Rio Olympics 2016. However, the pride and joy is really evident in them and we've got to hand it to these parents for never giving up on their kids.
The Rio Olympics 2016 will officially open on Friday, Aug. 5, Brazil standard time. Over 207 countries are expected to participate.
