Winning Americans

A lot can happen in 50 years. In 50 years new technology can flourish, families can grow and times can certainly change. Recently an Olympic hockey match became part of history, and something that had not happened in 50 years came to light.

On Sunday, Feb. 21 the US Menís Team squared off with hockey rival Canada. It was a game for the ages, a Winter Olympics highlight. The last time the Americans beat the proud and loud Canadians was in 1960, or 50 years ago. So, it is safe to say that the US was coming into the game as underdogs, while Canada prides itself in claiming hockey as its national sport. Still, the US came out victorious, leaving Canada with their second loss in these Olympic Games. The win gave them the confidence to defeat the Swiss on Tuesday, Feb. 24, and get one step closer to that desired gold medal. The US Men's Hockey Team is standing tall, representing the country they love.

So, was this just a onetime thing? Do we have to wait another 50 years to enjoy such a celebration? If you ask me, I think the next celebration is just around the corner. As a citizen of the world's greatest superpower, and one of the greatest nations on the map, I have been raised to harbor a winning perspective on life.

From our nation's history to our success in the Olympic Games, we, as Americans, have demonstrated a winning spirit and applied it to everything we do. Has the Constitution brainwashed us to be winners in life? Do the words of the "Star Spangled Banner" feed off a sense of competitiveness? If they do, then it is definitely working. In all aspects of life we have proven that Americans are hard working people who reach for high goals and met them.

These Olympic Games help us see the hard working Americans doing things that are larger than life. Maybe this is when our winning spirit truly comes out, but I think it shines every day. From school teachers who have a winning classroom, to high school students who study hard to beat the SAT's, the need a triumph is all around us.

A lot can happen in 50 years. If it hasn't happened for Americans, you can count on them working at it. Evan Lysacek trained day and night and became the first American to win gold for Men's Figure Skating. Michael Phelps went through three Olympic Games until he was able to become the most decorated athlete to ever grace the Olympic stage. If being American means being a winner, then that is a title I will proudly hold. Many Americans have come before me to prove that they are worthy of trophies, medals and other accomplishments. I am proud to share a nation with them and to continue in the winning spirit that this country holds. It may be annoying to every other country in the world, but here we are proud to call ourselves "The Winning Americans".