Post-Paris Olympics … a few thoughts

Here I am sitting in the Paris Olympic Village Press Conference room. The photos that follow are some of the athletes I met and chatted with; I am grateful to them for their kindness, self-effacement, wise words, and insights. I have added each individual’s Olympic medal count, but the World and European medal count added makes impressive reading.

Tom Daley: 1 Gold/1 Silver/3 Bronze

Josh Kerr/Amber Anning/Zharnel Hughes/Molly Caudery: 1 Silver/3 Bronze (collectively)

Andy Murray: 2 Gold

Adam Peaty: 3 Gold & 3 Silver

Duncan Scott: 2 Gold & 6 Silver

Matt Richards: 2 Gold & 1 Silver

Keely Hodgkinson: 1 Gold

Rebeca Andrade: 1 Gold/2 Silver/1 Bronze

The Olympic medal total from these twelve athletes is 12 Gold, 13 Silver, 6 Bronze. Several of these sporting stars will feature at the Los Angeles Games, with more medals very likely.

These Olympians, like many others, have surrounded themselves with the right people: top coaches; loving families; an adoring public. Funding may have been a significant factor in success. Training facilities may have been of the highest order.

However, what ‘binds’ these sporting individuals is the following:

• Belief

• Resolve

• Discipline

• Dedication

• Focus

Our context may not be an Olympic stadium or pool or court, but our life arena is nonetheless one in which we should demonstrate similar qualities. Our mindset should be such that we calibrate ourselves, prepare, deliver to our best, and add value to others around us. We may not win a Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal, but our positive values Augur well, Aggregate our goals, Cultivate our relationships, and do not enSnare us.

Fun bite … incroyable!