Former Olympian Says This About American Patriotism in Paris
By Movieguide® Contributor
Kerri Walsh Jennings, the most decorated U.S. Olympic volleyball player, believes this year’s games displayed a special sense of patriotism.
When asked if she felt pride for the United States in the games this year, Jennings told Fox News Digital, “I did. It’s just something special. You see Scottie Scheffler when he won, and watching Team USA basketball, and they’re celebrities of the game. They’re so touched to be representing USA.”
Jennings did not participate in this year’s games but watched them with the rest of America. She is a five-time Olympian, winning three gold medals and one bronze since she began in 2000.
“I think in the Olympic movement, Team USA is a shining light, and we are something to reach for, I think, in all the world,” she said. “America is a shining light, and I think that’s a responsibility that I don’t take lightly, and I don’t take for granted.”
Jennings also noted the importance of supporting your country, even if it’s not perfect.
“It’s OK to be proud of where you’re from,” she said. “No country is perfect. Embrace the good, and when I look at that [American] flag, our country is not our politics — it’s our people and our spirit. I think that’s on display in the Olympics.”
She continued, “Team USA always comes out with a lot of medals, and more than that, there’s just so many displays of courage and resiliency and everything America is made up of. The players and the athletes seem to know that, and that makes me very proud.”
Jennings took to Instagram last week to share advice with fellow athletes who competed this season.
“My encouragement for you is to give yourself grace,” she said in the video. “Ideally, you come away feeling like you did your best, even if you feel like you fell short, your only job in life is to do your best with a good attitude. If you’re an Olympian, I know you gave it your all. If you fell short, you know, LA 2028 isn’t too far away. If you reached the top of the mountain, congratulations and enjoy life.”
She concluded, “Know that this will not change your life, this is just part of your story, and I hope you embrace it and enjoy it and also give yourself grace because coming down from the top of the mountain is sometimes a little rocky.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Olympic golfer Scottie Scheffler:
American golfer Scottie Scheffler won an Olympic gold medal on Sunday, but being one of the world’s best golfers isn’t what defines him.
“During his country’s National Anthem, a visibly emotional Scheffler wiped tears from his eyes. A video of the moment went viral on social media,” Crosswalk reported Aug. 6.
“I would say first and foremost, I’m proud of the country that I’m from,” Scheffler said after his win. “I’m proud to be an American. I [also] got emotional the other night watching the gold medal ceremony for the women’s gymnastics.”
The American gymnastics team also won gold.
“I take tremendous pride in coming over here and representing my country,” he said. “…It was just very emotional being up there on stage there as the flag is raised, sitting there singing the national anthem. [It’s] definitely one I’ll remember for a long time.”
