Passing The Torch
Jack didn't get to see his grandson, Jimmy, honor his legacy and the Olympic spirit by reading the Olympic Oath to the athletes at the Opening Ceremonies. Nor did he get the chance to experience the absolutely priceless pride that surely would have come had he been alive to see his grandson Jimmy ride his skeleton face first down an icy track (with a picture of his grandfather tucked in his helmet) to a gold medal on lucky Day Thirteen of the Games.
Jack Shea, by his words and through his life, embodied the Olympic ideal and passed along his values to his son and grandson. I hope his legacy and inspiration will give strength to our nation as we, as parents, coaches and youth sports administrators, struggle to find the proper balance between winning and participating for our children and grandchildren. I just know that, like me and my kids "hanging out" watching events at the various Salt Lake City venues and at the AT&T Center, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, Jack Shea, and Chris Klug's liver donor were "hanging out" in the fluffy clouds high above the majestic Wasatch Mountains during the Salt Lake City Games. I can just imagine them smiling and exchanging "high fives" at the accomplishments of countless athletes like Chris Klug and Jimmy Shea, who came to the Olympics not to win medals, but simply to fulfill a dream of competing and to uphold the Olympic creed: To take part.
