I first became captivated by the Olympics when I heard of Michael Phelps and his dynamic swimming abilities. My love for the Sport of Gymnastics grew in 2016, with Simone Biles’ unparalleled performance that developed my passion for the sport of gymnastics. Over the years, I've come to realize that beyond the athletic feats, the most inspiring moments are the ones that teach us powerful lessons about life, love, and personal growth.
The Power of Heartfelt Moments
This year's Olympics was filled with breathtaking moments, record-breaking feats, and heartwarming displays of affection that were more addictive than any drama series. The Swedish-American pole vaulter, Armand Duplantis, embracing his girlfriend after shattering the world record was a picture of pure joy. Similarly, the viral moment between Tara Davis-Woodhall and her husband after her gold medal win in the long jump was a heartwarming picture of love and support. They hugged each other almost bruising their lungs in the tightest of embraces. These moments remind us that even at the highest level of competition, love and human connection are the greatest wins.
The Role of Mindset and Self-Belief
I was enthralled by the display of athletic prowess exhibited by Gabby Thomas, the Harvard graduate and Olympic champion in the 200-meter sprint. Her recent interviews revealed the potency of positive thinking and visualization, through which she manifested her championship status even before stepping onto the starting block. Ultimately, it’s about giving one's best effort. I believe she is a role model for countless young girls due to her significant impact beyond the sporting arena, particularly in the realm of global health. You can listen to the interview with Gabby Thomas discussing visualisation here.
Compete with Yourself
The most striking lesson I have learned from the Olympics is to compete only with oneself. Rather than comparing yourself to others, set and achieve your own goals while striving to surpass your previous achievements. This is perfectly exemplified by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who has broken her own 400-meter hurdles world record an astonishing six times. Her current record stands at an astounding 50.37 seconds. Likewise, Usain Bolt shattered his own 100-meter record, setting a new benchmark of 9.58 seconds that remains unmatched since 2009.
I'll conclude with the words of Michael Phelps: “If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren’t willing to do.”
What lessons from the Olympics have inspired you? Share them in the comments below!