By Catherine Tsounis
New York writer/photographer
Courage, drama, visits to world centers of culture and the indomitable Olympian spirit by a young woman of Greek- Spartan and Seminole Indian heritage from Southern Florida is a must read novel for 2015. Interesting facts on the Greek immigration to America and Seminole Indian culture are explained in detail. . The Seminole Indians were the only unconquered Indians by the white man. Even the army of Andrew Jackson was not able to subjucate them. Like the Spartans, the Seminole Indians cherished their independence and their love for freedom.
The author’s portrayal of the Southern Florida’s Seminole Indian culture and Greek immigration to the United States gives one an insight into the heroine’s two unique cultures. The theme of the book is dedicated to the Olympian spirit. “A sound mind in a sound body”.
The ancient Greek philosopher Thales demonstrates the link between physical exercise and good mental health.
From a young age Olympia was dedicated to the Olympic spirit that embodied this precept. Olympia became an Olympics scholar. She researched the history of the ancient Olympics. When she visited the country of her roots she was inspired to explain her love of the Olympics. He lectures on the Olympics were very well attended.”My fellow sports enthusiasts.” It is an honor and a privilege to talk to you about a subject that is very dear to me. My interest in sports and the Olympic Games began in my Junior High school years. The thrill of the Olympics was kindled when I vacationed one summer in Greece with my parents. The highlight of my vacation at that time was the visit to Olympia the birthplace of the ancient Olympics. From the size and magnitude of the ruins of the historic site, I saw firsthand the importance of the Games and could easily imagine the thousands of spectators that came from various city-states of ancient Greece to witness a series of athletic competition events.
Olympia sharpened her skill as a runner. Her hope was to qualify for the summer Olympics as a sprint runner. The author explained that a hard-working and dedicated athletic young woman can realize her dream to become a competitive athlete for the summer Olympics. She had a successful marriage and a teaching career with an enthusiastic approach to the ancient Olympic Games. She was an advocate of the Olympic spirit and endeavored to bring the history of the Olympics from the 8th century BC to the 2004 Athens Olympics. Unfortunately, the Olympian Star was cheated by the deadly acute myeloid leukemia that devastated her body and enthusiasm for the Olympics. Being of mixed heritage it was almost impossible to find a perfect match for a transplant that could cure her cancer. She fought her cancer for three years. She ran out of options and felt she was running out of time. It is ironic for a strong athlete being involved for a life-time in sports to be defeated by her cancer. Olympia did not fear dying but regretted leaving behind her loyal student athletes who dedicated time training and running with her. At the end of her life, she became free of fear of the unknown. She generated a legacy of talented athletes. She lived a life of great generosity and service to others.
Her funeral was a great celebration of her life. With her eyes serenely closed, her lips slightly parted her long black hair framing her pale face she looked beautiful and seemed to be at peace. A crown made from olive branches were placed on her head in the same manner ancient Olympian winners were crowned after winning a sports event.
Mr. Andreas George is a scholar, having written scientific papers on radioactivity and radiation exposure. His background as a scientific investigator and author created one of the finest and historical books on St. Nicholas of Myra “IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SAINT NICHOLAS. The book is available by emailing Andreas George at [email protected].
