Torino 2006: A Melting Pot of Diversity

When I initially found out that the winter Olympics would be in Torino, I was thrilled, knowing that I would be studying in Rome during the same time. My roommates and friends planned our trip to Torino a few weeks in advance, excited at the prospect of experiencing a tradition that dates back hundreds and hundreds of years.

On Friday night around midnight we boarded a train that was so jam-packed with riders that people were sitting in the aisles. I was one of the lucky people who had a comfortable seat of... sitting on the aisle of the train for the seven-hour, overnight ride. Though it was rough and less than ideal, just the idea of being at the Olympics was enough to keep me excited.

When we arrived in Torino, we strolled through the streets of the Italian city. Looking past the countless banners that read "Torino 2006" or "Passion Lives Here" (the motto of this year's Olympic games), the city seemed like a normal Italian city that one would visit to see things such as churches and beautiful architecture. As the morning progressed, more and more people filled the streets. Walking through the crowds of people, I heard many languages being spoken - Italian, English, German, Spanish, you name it. I began to think about the tradition of the Olympics, and how the games bring together people from all parts of the world. People are able to put their prejudices aside and come together to compete with each other while cheering on their own country's Olympians. It is an astoundingly positive atmosphere, and nearly everyone (except those in the lines at the Olympic Superstore) had smiles on their faces.

The icing on the cake for the day was attending the Short Track Speed Skating Quarterfinals and Semifinals. We watched the men and women compete, and even saw the famous American, Apolo Anton Ohno, skate. While watching the speed skating, I spoke with the families sitting around me. The woman sitting directly to my side was from Fairfield, CT and the family behind me was from Southbury, CT. Both of their towns are within a short driving distance of my own home in Connecticut! I was pleasantly surprised to see once again what a small world ours really is.

Being at the 2006 Olympic Games in Torino was an experience I will never forget. I can see myself talking about it for years to come - about the melting pot of cultures and the atmosphere of positivity.