The parable of the Athlete and the Olympian...

This is a story about two childhood friends who competed in the Olympics. The other one was so successful that he won the Gold medal for the Olympic event he joined. The other friend was so unlucky that he never won even a bronze medal although he always competed at his given chance. They both trained hard although with different methods. Still there were some similarities, like waking up early in the mornings for the routine training, eating proper foods, and they were disciplined enough to limit their nightlife habits.

When they returned to their country, the gold medalist returned a hero, adored by millions of his countrymen, and was given a ticker tape parade with confettis falling down the avenue on the way to the Office of the President for another commendation. He was also compensated with millions of money, apparently as a reward for his outstanding achievement in sports.

The other one quietly retired to his hometown. No fanfare, not even a token of appreciation from the government for competing and giving his best for his country. He was a forgotten figure in their mediocre town while his medalist friend was basking at his newfound fame and glory.

A few decades later, at a local festival within the town where the two friends had attended, a very curious kid had asked his friends in a quiet discussion about the difference between an athlete and an olympian. As the man who never won any medal overheard the question while he was passing by on his way to go home, and as he walks away with dignity, he whispered to the little boy: “An athlete is someone who competes and excel in sporting events, while an Olympian is someone who competes in sports event without the aid of Chinese herbs, American steroids, and European drugs, for the sake of fair play and sportsmanship...”