Winning an Olympic medal is the dream of every athlete, including world-renowned golfers. The Olympics are the biggest stage where you have the chance to showcase your abilities to a global audience and prove that you are indeed the best. This year’s Olympic Games will take place in Paris at the end of July, providing an opportunity for a few to win the medal they have long dreamed of.
Shane Lowry is one of them. This popular golfer reflected on this year’s Olympics ahead of the Zurich Classic and reminisced about his childhood and the goals he had. The Olympics were not his goal.
“Obviously growing up playing golf, you never dreamed of being an Olympic champion, so when golf came to the Olympics it was kind of a strange feeling to have,” Lowry said, as quoted by Golf Monthly.
Having competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Lowry admitted that it was a great feeling to play on such a big stage. After experiencing the Olympics, Lowry feels a thrill to show his skills once again.
“But doing the last Olympics with Rory together in Japan, albeit it was a Covid Olympics so it was a little bit different, we both realized what it meant to go out and try and win an Olympic medal for your country.
I think that’s something that excites me and excites both of us to go back to Paris this year and try and do that.”
Every country dreams of having its representative at the Olympics, and the greatest joy is when that representative brings home a medal. Lowry wants to fulfill the dream of the Irish and bring home one of the medals. That is one of the goals that Lowry has set for himself.
One of the golfers who is highly anticipated at this year’s Olympics is the brilliant Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy. He has always been a golfer with high expectations from fans, given that he is one of the most talented golfers at the moment. Despite Rory not being in top form this year, winning a medal could be a turning point in his career and an opportunity to turn things in his favor.
Rory Mcllroy of Team Ireland plays during a practice round at Kasumigaseki Country Club ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games on July© Chris Trotman/Getty Images Sport
Rory McIlroy found himself in a highly competitive seven-way playoff during the Tokyo Olympics, competing for a bronze medal. He described this experience as one of the most challenging moments in his career, stressing the intense effort he exerted to secure a third-place finish. Although, as mentioned before, the Olympics are not the primary focus for golfers, when you find yourself in a situation where you’re competing for a medal and have the chance to bring joy to your country, you certainly feel pressure and excitement.
Reflecting on his upbringing, McIlroy noted that winning an Olympic medal was not a childhood dream for him. It simply wasn’t something he had considered as a possibility while growing up.
Golf in the history of the Olympic Games
Golf was included in the Olympic sports list in 1900 and 1904. However, after that, until 2016, golf was excluded from the Olympic program. The last two golfers to win a gold medal were Justin Rose (gold medal in Rio 2016) and Xander Schauffele (gold medal in Tokyo 2020). Growing up in an environment where golfers do not compete in such events, naturally, you wouldn’t pay much attention to that competition, and you wouldn’t be motivated to win it.
Xander Schauffele of Team United States celebrates with the gold medal© Chris Trotman/Getty Images Sport
However, those who are just building their careers will surely have greater desire and determination, now that golf is once again part of the Olympics. Looking at countries, the United States is the most successful considering the four Olympics where golf was present. They have a total of 13 medals, while Great Britain follows with 3 medals.
While major championships have always held great importance in the world of golf, McIlroy stressed that participating in the Olympics brought about a shift in perspective. Immersing himself in the Olympic spirit made him realize the deep impact and meaning the event holds for people around the world.
This is also one of the reasons why Rory McIlroy will give his all at this year’s Olympics to achieve success and bring joy to his country. McIlroy referred to a statement from his colleague, Lowry, emphasizing that simply being an Olympian is enough to feel excitement and happiness. Rory further emphasizes that winning a medal is his goal, and it would be a special moment for him.
This year’s Olympics will surely bring excitement for fans of this sport. Although historically, golf has not been present in the Olympic program, efforts are being made year after year to popularize this sport, leading to increased interest.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login