The Olympics has its roots buried deep within the ancient Greek civilization. During a time (8th century B.C.E.) when gods literally ran, and ruined, the lives of civilians, the Greek people took great pride in honoring the gods atop Mt. Olympus via games, parades, and sacrifices. Teams were formed from Greek polei, or city-states, and all gathered in Athens to compete. The games the Greeks played, all in honor of various gods, ranged from barefoot races, naked wrestling, and discus tossing. Wouldnt't want to piss this guy off?
He'll put a lightening bolt right between your cheeks.
Anyway, with all kinds of expectations for American athletes such as Apolo Ohno, Shaun White, and, my personal favorite, Lindsey Vonn, the attention drifts away from non-contributing countries and focuses solely on the elite of the Northern hemisphere.
However, I would like to revert some attention back to our globe's not-so-fortunate players, such as Africa's sole contributor to Vancouvers Winter Olympics XXI.
Without further ado, let me introduce introduce Ghana's primary, and only, skiier, Kwame Nkruman-Acheampong. Dubbed the "Snow Leopard", this Ghanese downhill skier offers a tale unlike many other developed-country's prospects. Hailing from North-West Africa, this passionate skier competes solo in every sense of the word.
Acting as his own doctor, coach, trainer, and driver, Kwame will enter this years Olympic competitions sleeping in his own van. Previously, he's even had to return home to Ghana mid-competition because he ran out of money.
Next time you turn on NBC to cheer on America's finest, just remember all the unfortunate athletes who do not have the opportunity to compete the way we did...as children.
Pardon my absence,
Abe Froman
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