Marriage – the Olympics of Relationships

Julie: John and I have really enjoyed watching the Olympics these past couple of weeks. Medals are won by fractions of a second. Partnerships are tested under pressure. Expectations run high. There is disappointment and elation.

Marriage is the Olympics of Relationships. Both require preparation, endurance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to something bigger than yourself.

 Opening Ceremony/The Wedding

The Olympics start with fireworks, music, and a whole lot of pageantry. Weddings are much the same, with traditions, emotional speeches, and a big audience.  It is monumental, but the real event starts the next morning.

All That Training

John: Olympians train for years before they ever step onto that stage. Early mornings. Failures. Repetition. Conditioning. Commitment.

When we were dating and in our early years of marriage, Julie and I were in training, learning about communication styles, compatibility, and conflict resolution. Even now, we are navigating relationships with our adult children, grandparenthood, deaths of our parents, and retirement planning.  The training never stops. 

We’re in it Together

Julie: Some Olympic events are solo. Marriage is not. It’s the ultimate synchronized sport. When one of us is anxious, we both feel it. If one of us thrives, we both benefit. When I am overwhelmed, John works to steady the routine. When he forgets the choreography, I’ll jump in and gently remind him of the steps.

It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint

John: The early days of marriage can feel like a sprint — filled with excitement, passion, newness. But over time, it becomes more a marathon than sprint. The commitment we made on our wedding day got us out of the starting gates, but it is the decisions to love that Julie and I make every day that continue to fuel us as we run the course. 

Falling Happens

Julie: Watch any Olympic coverage and you’ll see epic mistakes.  Marriage has those moments too. The difference between couples who last and couples who don’t isn’t that they never fall.  It’s that they get back up. When I screw up, I need to apologize and ask for John’s forgiveness. And I need to try harder the next time I am tempted to criticize or correct John. 

All Olympians Have Coaches

John: Behind every medalist is a coach to offer perspective, correction, and support.  Marriage needs that, too.  Julie and I often spend time with couples who have successfully navigated through life together.  We also were blessed to both have parents who celebrated their golden anniversaries as role models. Talk about commitment!

Behind every Olympic pair are great coaches.

The Medal Isn’t the Point

Julie: At the Olympics, only a few stand on the podium, but every athlete knows they have  done something extraordinary.

In marriage the medal isn’t the point. It’s the joy of participating, creating a shared history with a person who knows your worst moments and loves you anyway. It’s snuggling up next to John at the end of a long day because no matter what, we’re still on the same team.

Marriage Keeps Going

John: Even after the closing ceremony, the Olympic ideal lives on. Marriage is like that ideal. It’s not a two-week event – it’s a lifelong season. Every day, I wake up and choose Julie as my teammate – again. Some days we feel like champions. Some days we’re just trying not to drop the baton. But either way, we’re in it together for the long haul. And honestly, that’s better than any medal.