Be a good sport while watching the 2024 Olympics

The 2024 Olympic Games have begun, and thousands of athletes worldwide are showcasing their talents on a global stage. The games can inspire a competitive atmosphere among viewers. A clinical psychologist at Baylor College of Medicine explains how people of all ages can remember how to be a good sport, even if their favorite athletes don’t take home gold.

“To be a good sport, it is important to know that it isn’t just about winning; it is about valuing teamwork and the beauty of the sport,” said Dr. Eric Storch, professor and vice chair of psychology in the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. 
Instead of comparing yourself to Olympians who have been trained at the elite level, viewers can enjoy the performance of whatever event they watch. 

“This is an opportunity where it is not so much nation versus nation; it is a collective competition where you can appreciate the beauty of sport, hard work, and dedication,” said Storch. 

If you plan to watch the Olympics with young minds (children or teens) who participate in similar activities, encourage them to view what is happening on the screen from a deeper perspective. 

“Have them notice the atmosphere and what is going on in the stadiums or arenas where these events take place, have them notice what the spirit of the Olympics brings about,” he said. “Also, while watching, have them watch how the athletes conduct themselves, especially how they respond when they succeed or when something doesn’t go their way. Parents can take this as a moment to discuss and help provide a narrative about dealing with the ups and downs of life both in sport and otherwise.”   

While watching these events, remember to take in everything with moderation. Storch explains that attaching our well-being or our mood to something external can be risky. It is important to understand that winning can be defined as a multitude of things. 

“A person or the team may not have done as well as hoped, but they are still satisfied with their performance because they gave their best, whether breaking a personal record, competing at the highest level, or just appreciating being part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Storch said.