I attended an Olympics function recently at which there were a number of Olympians. It was inspiring to meet them and learn more about how the mind of an Olympian works. Several of them got up and spoke: Steve Monaghetti, Marathon man; Mike Smith, Rower; Steve Hooker, Pole Vaulter; Caroline Anderson, Tae Kwondo; David Wansbrough, Hockey Captain.

Mike Smith, Rower was asked, “what goes through your mind when you are on the start line about to go”. His response was simple but profound. “The first stroke” he said. “You can’t win a race with your first stroke but you can certainly lose one”. Focussing on the first stroke was a means of staying in the present moment and not getting caught up in the massive adrenaline surge and nerves that are lingering.

These athletes are naturally endowed with talent and skills but without the immense handwork, sacrifice and toil, they would not make the grade. We can all learn from that. It’s useful that our school kids hear of the efforts that our most successful members of society have put in. On social media, everyone looks like an overnight success. But it simply doesn’t exist. Capability + effort is the only algorithm that works.

But it’s not just the winners that are important. It’s seeing how these incredible athletes handle loss with grace and poise. It was humbling to see the swimmer Campbell sisters and Cam McEvoy experience the devastation of missing a medal but speak to the media with such maturity and wisdom. Victory is in the effort.

We can all learn from the one pointed focus of these elite athletes. Though we may not be striving for an Olympic medal, at some stage in our lives we may need to dig deep to overcome our own challenge or obstacle.

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit