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The Olympics at Hogwarts
By Farah Weheba
August 16, 2004
The drama, the unity, the peace, and the culture of the 2004 Olympics in Athens were incredible. There was an amazing demonstration of how humanity has evolved and modernized through art and knowledge over the decades. The opening ceremony demonstrated a phenomenal amount of harmony between each country, much the way each house at Hogwarts can function and learn together, despite their differences in values. Unity is not something to be taken for granted. This ceremony was a peaceful celebration where each country could introduce their athletes in tradition of the Greek Olympics, which started 112 years ago.
Of course there were some countries that fought hard to avoid friction, much like how Gryffindor and Slytherin do. These houses can barely stand each other, but as not to ruin their chance of winning the house cup, they try to behave. A worldwide peace is something rarely ever seen. I wish it could be seen more often, like in the Quidditch World Cup. There, wizards from all around the world skillfully found and followed portkeys than lead them to the glorious competition between Bulgaria and Ireland. This competition only included one sport, and two countries, yet it still attracted cultures and religions from all around the world. Muggles, half-bloods, giants, veela, and even house elves participated in gazing at the Irish and Bulgarian teams.
Unfortunately, not everything can be perfect. Politics always interferes with the vision of Utopia, as does religion. A wrestler from Iran decided to resign from the Olympics when he was told he would have to wrestle against an Israeli competitor. For me, that news affected the peaceful nature of the Olympics. This event reminded me of the hostility between Sirius Black and Severus Snape. They probably would not agree to compete against each other, unless it was a duel to the death. Their history together had always been unwelcoming, much like the history of certain countries. Some countries could not decide which flag to bear, like Canada. Others could not decide on which national anthem to sound. This lack of organization reminded me of the panic and chaos that was presented by the wizards, disguised as muggles, at the Quidditch World Cup. Many did not know what to wear or how to function without using their wands.
At the Olympic trials in Sydney, one male swimmer, representing Australia, was unfairly disqualified when he accidentally fell into the Olympic pool before the starting signal was sounded. This is much like when Harry Potter was unfairly disqualified from the Gryffindor Quidditch team. In the end, Harry was once again allowed to participate on the team. As for the Australian swimmer, he accepted the Olympic 400-metre freestyle swimming place surrendered by swimmer Craig Stevens, allowing him to defend his world record in Athens. He came back to the Olympics this year, and won a gold medal.
Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki is the woman that made it all happen. A certain committee was going to pull the Olympics from Greece, protesting that preparations were not complete. Gianna stepped in and took control of the situation, organizing the construction, and seeing that it would be ready in time for the Games. If it hadn't been for Gianna, the Olympics would not have taken place at their original birthplace this year. Her determination and leadership reminded me of Professor McGonagall's. McGonagall is a powerful authority at Hogwarts, second only to Dumbledore. Her intimidating and strict characteristics allow her to demand respect from everyone at Hogwarts. McGonagall is one of the most resilient women in the Harry Potter books, a figure representing women's egalitarianism.
We don't live in Utopia; we live on Earth. Earth unfortunately has its flaws, and each person on Earth has personal beliefs that conflict with those of others. Every now and then, however, a rare event like the Olympics or the Quidditch World Cup comes along and for a short amount of time, people gather to watch the sport or event that they all share a common interest in. Politics and religion are temporarily forgotten as spectators sit in unison, watching an anticipated event. As a laser show of DNA strands was displayed at the opening ceremony, a reporter said, "Ironically, DNA is proof that we are all made out of the same material, yet it is what makes us all individuals." So, whether you're a muggle or a wizard, when an event comes along that attracts millions, even billions of people, be sure to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of unanimity and harmony.
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