I’m drafting this at the start of the Olympics, so when you read this, everything could be different. Work with me if it all changed, but guess what?

Michael Phelps is an underdog.

It isn’t only because he came in fourth in his first race, a swim he only earned a spot for by 7/100th of a second, I believe. In his interviews he admits he struggled after the last Olympics. He not only made unhealthy choices for his body, he walked away from the sport in every way for six straight months.

While his competition practiced daily.

His underdog status got me thinking. After all, I live an hour from Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Each year the football flags in my neighborhood are all for the Browns. But mid-season after they have lost a few games and the Steelers are posting wins, I’ve seen more than one house switch to the black and gold flag.

My husband is a die-hard fan for the sports underdog. Although he is a Yankee fan from childhood, he always picks teams that stats would lead you to believe have no chance of winning. He does the same for racing, golf, and basketball.

I’m drawn to kids that aren’t society standouts. I think every child is worth encouraging, so I love building up the ones that might not hear positive talk otherwise. Our daughter has had health struggles that in physical aspects, make her the underdog. I remember watching teachers at her field day giving her favor because they were rooting for her.

Julie Arduini’s daughter a few years ago when her health issues were more active. To this day, people give her favor and cheer for her when she tries things that are a physical challenge for her.

How about movies? Our church hosted an outdoor movie night where we watched Dolphin Tale. It was a sweet story where I was cheering for the dolphin and the young man who lost his legs. Remember the Olympic themed movie, Cool Runnings? I get caught up in that movie every time.
What about you? Who or what is an underdog you pull for?