Life Lessons From the Games
Dear Readers, have you been watching the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics? All around Shady Pines Story Town folks have been tuning in.
It’s easy to understand why. There are so many exciting events like skiing, figure skating, hockey, and more!
Why even Mayor Fibbs has gotten in on the action. He’s hosting a late afternoon viewing party downtown at City Hall!
“Everybody grab a seat. There are snacks and drinks right over there on the side table. We have some very creative volunteers around here Do you notice the Olympics theme?”
Sure enough. The Olympics “rings” are right there in the middle of the plate.
Some of the of the people who work in the building are here, too. Their kids discover the other goodies outside.
More Than Events
“Let’s see what’s on the schedule now?” Fibbs wonders as he looks at his phone for the the TV lineup.
Rita Malena, Director of the Shady Pines Community Center, has dropped by with some members of her staff. “I do hope the Women’s Figure Skating is on,” says Rita. “I am always so impressed with how they can dance, jump and spin on those narrow blades.”
“Especially on ice,” says Fibbs as he keeps scrolling. “Oh. It looks like you’re in luck Rita. They’re just getting underway.”
Three American skaters have a real chance of winning a medal. Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito have already been very successful on the national and international stage during competitions leading up to these Games.
Only One Can Win
All three women hit the Olympic ice skating with passion and expertise. But in a sport like figure skating, even small mistakes make a huge difference.
Amber Glenn and Isabeau Levito had some rough patches in their performances.
Alysa Liu skated flawlessly and wound up winning the top prize – an Oympic Gold Medal.
You can watch her gold medal winning performance.
Rita is so excited she jumps up an down.
“Mayor Fibbs, did you see that? Alysa Liu just did something that no USA woman skater has done in twenty four years!”
Fibbs is smiling from ear to ear. “I see it Rita. I see it!”
After The Win
Here’s something important to mention. After she stood on top of the podium Liu did something very special.
She made sure to congratulate the two skaters from Japan who won the Silver and Bronze medals. Just because they came in second and third, their accomplishments are to be celebrated.
Be A Generous Winner
Here in Shady Pines Story Town we believe a true winner celebrates by lifting others up, not bragging.
When you win maybe say something like: “I did my best, and I’m so happy! But look how hard you tried—you’re amazing too!” The truth is, all of these Olympic athletes are incredible. They wouldn’t have gotten to this level if they weren’t.
And everyone knows the old saying, ‘You Win Some and You Lose Some,’ is absolutly true.
Be A Gracious Loser
Staying with Figure Skating for a moment, let’s take a look at what to do when the unepected happens. Ilia Malinin is considered the most talented figure skater, man or woman, of his generation.
The 21-year-old phenom has redefined what’s possible. He is able to jump and spin four times in the air before landing and make it look easy. He does back flips.
He is so known for the excellence of his quadruple jumps his nickname is, The Quad God.
You can watch him land seven quad jumps last month while winning the US Championship.
After his Olympic short program Ilia was in first place. Unfortunately during his longer, “free” skate, something happened that no one could believe. He fell on the ice (twice) and in the standings. He came in eighth place.
The crowd was shocked. He was shocked.
How To React
Ilia could have sulked. Felt sorry for himself. Maybe blame the conditions. Make excuses. Nope. He didn’t do any of that.
Instead he did the right thing. He admitted the pressure got to him.
As soon as the gold medal was draped around winning skater Mikhail Shaidorov’s neck, there was Ilia. The Quad God was quick to pay respect to the man who – on this day- out performed him.
That shows class and good charcter. It also demonstrates grace under pressure.
Actions like that will linger in our memory long after the Olympics end. You see in our small Southern town we believe that winning lasts a moment, but kindness and caring lasts a lifetime!
I love Olympic time. Such a good reminder of so many good lessons. Thx for highlighting some here!
Thank you Sandi!
Another great lesson from Shady Pines. It was so exciting to watch the skaters. This story also helps you realize that if you try & do your best is all you can ask
of yourself, Thanks Mary Jane,
Beautifully said Barbara. Thank you!
Great post!The Olympic Games are always so exciting, but not everyone can win a medal. But…everyone can be gracious and a good sport.
Exactly right Regina. Thank you for your comment!
Great post!!! The Olympics were a wonderful example of how to be gracious and kind whether you win or more importantly when you lose. The examples you shared truly inspire us all to spread kindness wherever we go. Keep up the amazing work!
Thank you so much Teresa. I appreciate the encouragement!
This should be in every school for kids to learn. Great post!
Another excellent story. It amplifies “Humble in victory, gracious in defeat.” An important lesson to be sure
Another excellent story. It amplifies “Humble in victory, gracious in defeat.” An important lesson to be sure
What a great lesson for all of us
Once again you nailed it, Mary Jane! This is exactly the lesson we all need to take from the Olympics… be a gracious winner and a gracious loser. The bottom line is that every one of these athletes are winners or they wouldn’t be there. What a wonderful opportunity they all had to meet and compete – memories that will last a lifetime.
Oh Nancy thank you. I really appreciate your connection to the message!
This was such an important message in this day and time. Kindness will always leave a lasting impact.
Thank you Tammy. Yes. That is the enduring message
Another wonderful “lead in” video and story. Thank you!
So glad you liked it Amy!
A great post! I love the juxtaposition of the stories of the winner and the “loser”.
The Olympics are truly the agony and the ecstasy, but kindness brings everyone together.
I love the introduction videos. They are great guideposts to know what to watch for in the story.
Thank you Sheri. Really appreciate the feedback!
I’m sending this to my son. I’m concerned that he tells his kids winning is everything. This story tells a much better message
I like the way you’re using current events to convey a really important life lesson
Thank you so much Sharon!
I really enjoyed this post. Very important life lesson for all of us
Can’t wait to share with my granddaughters, who are often not gracious losers. Thank you!
Please let us know what they say when they read it Sharon. That could be interesting!
They truly are all stars. It takes courage and perseverance to achieve Olympic status. We salute all of them.
We do indeed. Thank you Elaine!
Maryjane, what a wonderful story about the Olympics. At age 76 I still learn about the importance of being a gracious loser and respectful winner, These Olympics are such a good learning experience for us all, young or old.
Thank you.
I’m so glad you related to the post Martha. Thank you for your comment!
This is so important for children to learn. Tying it to the Olympics was so smart
Thank you Jim. I really appreciate your comment!
These posts seem to be getting better. Is that my imagination? Good job
What a great message. Very timely and timeless
Great stories . Olympics usually end with plenty of stories regarding winning and more importantly how they handled loosing. Competing is the challenge , winning is a bonus ..
Well said Bill. Thank you!
What a beautiful post! I can relate to athletes who did not win since I used to compete and experienced a lot of disappointments from not winning or getting medals. We should encourage athletes who make mistakes instead of criticizing them for missed opportunity/medals.
I know you were a competitive gymnast. I’m so glad this resonated with you!
An excellent take on the ups and downs of winning and losing and in the end no matter the results, kindness wins every time.
Thank you Joanne. I’m glad you liked the message!