The Weekly Muse: The Olympics aren’t just fun and games!

Even if you don’t follow sports most of the time, there’s just something about the Olympics, isn’t there? There’s a cinematic quality to a worldwide competition like this, and, luckily, there are plenty of stories about the trials and triumphs of sports. 🏊‍♀️🏋

Most sports narratives are more about personal trials though — a character comes to understand themselves, realizes how strong they can be, celebrates the depths of human determination — than about who scores the most points. In just the same way, the Olympics are more than a competition. They’re an opportunity to advocate. 🏄🚴‍♂️

From Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ Black Power salute on the podium in the ’60s to Palestinian and Ukrainian athletes highlighting ongoing colonialism and genocide today, the Olympics are an opportunity to speak to a global audience. Let’s stand together this Olympic season to see and advocate for our neighbors around the world with deeper care and compassion. 🤸‍♀️🤽‍♀️

Based on the true story of Yusra and Sarah Mardini, this stirring film follows two sisters dreaming of swimming in the Olympics. When their home is destroyed in the Syrian Civil War, the two become refugees. At one point, the overloaded boat they were taking to Greece begins to sink, so the sisters volunteer to swim for hours, helping keep everyone alive. The film is about so much more than sports, but it’s a beautiful testament to the fire that drives us all to fight for what we deserve. And when Yusra continues to pursue the Olympics in Germany on a team made up of refugees? We cheered, we cried, we suggested the movie to everyone we know.

When rich, spoiled, rebellious Summer gets kicked out of yet another NYC private school, her mom decides that’s enough. Summer is shipped out to her mom’s old friends in Australia, where she learns how to dedicate herself to something — an international surfing competition. It’s a heartwarming tale of finding community, with stellar leadership from Summer’s coach Manu Tetanui, played by Kiwi heartthrob Chris Alosio.

Sometimes, dreams can help you survive. Tom’s relatively idyllic life, which mainly consists of trying to run like his Olympian heroes, is interrupted when Polio tears across Aotearoa New Zealand in the 1930s. The terrifying pandemic shuts down Tom’s life, and suddenly everyone is suspicious of each other. This book gave us shivers, pondering the cruelty of life, but, while realistic, it was also a hopeful and inspiring read. CW: pandemic

P.S. Enjoying these recs? Help representation in storytelling by sharing Narrative Muse with a friend! 📚 📺