Sixty years ago, Carl Lovsted stood on the awards podium. As he proudly bowed his head, he was draped with an Olympic medal before hearing “The Star-Spangled Banner” played. The longtime Mercer Islander will never forget that moment. He and his three teammates won the bronze medal in the four-man rowing competition at the 1952 Summer Games in Helsinki, Finland.

As a 20-something, Lovsted recognized the indescribable joy associated with such an accomplishment. Words could not fully express the mixed-emotions of patriotism, pride and pleasure that pulsated in his heart. He was grateful for those who had cheered his performance from the sidelines.

The knowledge that others are observing our achievements in life can be a source of motivation when we are prone to give up. We are more self-conscious when we are conscious that others are watching.

There is a passage from the Bible that was written against the backdrop of the ancient games in Greece. In the 11th chapter of “The Epistle to the Hebrews,” the Biblical writer lists the names of those from ancient Israel who successfully completed their marathon of faith. They are pictured as spectators in the grandstands of Heaven, cheering those who have yet to cross the finish line.

Chapter twelve begins with, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down…”

The writer is aware of the “weights” that complicate our best efforts. Such weights are part of human life. They are consequences of self-destructive choices we’ve made or destructive circumstances caused by others.

Forty years ago, I bowed my head in prayer as I stood outside the Olympic stadium in Munich, Germany. As a 20-year-old, I was stunned by news of the unexpected tragedy that overshadowed the 1972 Summer Olympics. Eleven Israeli athletes and coaches were killed along with five terrorists and a West German policeman.

In addition to the three colors that celebrated Olympic achievement, there was a black pall that punctuated the human race the world over. Heaviness hung in the air as spectators gathered to witness the closing ceremonies.

The recent shootings in Colorado call to mind the “weights” that continue to hinder our race as humans. We cannot escape tragedy or suffering. But somehow it helps knowing we are being cheered by others who persevered through their own trials and empathize with ours.