Capitol News

The modern Olympics continue to highlight athletic excellence and a spirit of teamwork even after more than 125 years since their inception in Athens, Greece. Now, every two years, the Olympics — with either the Summer Games or Winter Games — connect people and cultures in peaceful competition. Roughly 10,500 athletes from around the world will compete at the 2024 Paris Games from July 26 to August 11.

Kelly Salchow MacArthur, a two-time Olympic rower and graphic design professor at Michigan State University (MSU), sees a connection between athletics and art, especially in bringing people together. In addition to being a former Olympic athlete, Salchow MacArthur is a professor and practitioner of graphic design at MSU.

Salchow MacArthur competed with the U.S. National Women’s Rowing Team at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia, in 2000 and in Athens, Greece, in 2004, placing fifth both times. Additionally, she is a two-time participant in the Olympian Artists program, launched in 2018 as a way for Olympians and Paralympians to share their experiences as athletes and artists on a global platform. Most recently through the program, Salchow MacArthur was an artist-in-residence working with Parisian children on a collage project showcasing Olympic values.

Reflecting on her experience as an Olympic rower, Salchow MacArthur said: "Competing in rowing at the Olympics was an amazing life experience. It is something that I’ll always be proud of and something that I recognize as a big part of who I am today." She added that her participation allowed her to contribute to "the long continuum of the story of humanity."

Comparing her roles as an athlete and artist within the Olympics framework, she noted distinct differences: "When I was competing...I had to really focus on my performance." In contrast, as an artist representing the global Olympic community later on: "I really was able to spend time with people and contribute to the local community creatively."

Salchow MacArthur's experiences have also shaped her work as a designer focused on environmental awareness. "Rowing over...years has forged my close connection to water," she explained. This connection influences her advocacy work through visual communication.

She emphasized how both art and athletics demonstrate human ability across cultures: "Both practices are responsive and unpredictable," she said while drawing parallels between rowing's rhythm and creative processes.

In conclusion, reflecting on how her Olympic experiences have continued to impact her life: "Each rendition of the Olympics brings unexpected adventure...a way to connect different cultures." She expressed gratitude for these opportunities despite not winning an Olympic medal.