Post by Kimberly Nelson

Yesterday’s Olympic Closing Ceremony made me realize that I’ve been watching the Games for more than 60 years. Every edition—Summer or Winter—reminds me of the passion, grit, and determination it takes to compete at the highest level. It is always a privilege, and often a breathtaking experience, to watch these extraordinary athletes perform. Two moments from the Milan–Cortina Winter Games stood out for me. **First**, the level of compassion and support among athletes was unlike anything I’ve seen. There was an unprecedented level of compassion, kindness, and support for one another that went far beyond typical sportsmanship. Competitors lifted one another across teams, disciplines, and nationalities. It was a powerful, global expression of true Olympic Values. Could this be the example the world needs to start treating each other better? **Second**, I was deeply moved by the inclusion of the Water Cycle Performance in the Closing Ceremony. This sequence was a beautiful artistic interpretation of the water cycle, an imaginative journey through the different forms of water, through music and dance. While sustainability has been part of the Olympic experience for years, this moment elevated the message. As @Tara Lipinski noted, “Without Water, there is no ice, no snow, no Winter Olympics.” The artistic choice underscored a truth we cannot ignore: water is life, and a water‑secure future is essential for all of us, and for the future Olympic Games. i Water Unites Us All. All Water is Connected. 🌊 As we look ahead to the 2030 Games in the French Alps and the 2034 Games in Utah, we must ask:  🫧 Will future Olympians have the winter conditions they deserve?  🫧 Are global leaders making the decisions required to secure our shared water future? The Olympics have always been a celebration of human potential. Ensuring a water‑secure world is how we protect that potential for generations to come. J. Carl Ganter 💧Marcello Carmignani James Carlo Cascone Kim Patrick Kobza Meg Maffitt Amy Alvarez Dania Quintero Franco, MPH, Bs David Bankston Robert Bowcock Monica Ellis Malick Leo Keita Ian Doley Haley Guidry Will Sarni Karen Meidlinger Robert Backman Dr. Cat Shrier, Ph.D., P.G.Leslie Gillespie-Marthaler, Ph.D. Amy Turner https://lnkd.in/eruPU4Mg