It’s hard to come down from an Olympic high, but we’ll keep these lessons forever.
Are you feeling it, too? People say they’re experiencing an Olympics withdrawal. For two weeks, the world was united through sport. We cried together, laughed together, and cheered together… but it doesn’t have to end there.
Psychologist Dr. Tom Golightly called out five ways we can carry the Olympic spirit into our daily lives. These are values and principles we learned through the screen that can make us better – better parents, better friends, better community members, and more.
BY TOM GOLIGHTLY
Competition and Results of the Individual Women’s All-Around in Artistic Gymnastics
Watching Simone Biles as the best to ever do it is certainly inspiring, but the take home for me was all three top finishers having to overcome incredible difficulties to be on that podium. If you are going to succeed at elite levels, the road will be a bumpy and winding path. One had not one, not two, but three major knee repairs. One had a rare, painful, and chronic medical condition. One had crippling mental health issues throughout her life. It won’t always be easy, but sustained, hard work, grit, and persistence when faced with major obstacles is a necessary trait to succeed in sport. We see the triumph, but help others recognize the process behind that.
US Long-jumper Tara Davis-Woodall, and her husband Hunter Woodall
First of all, how adorable is this couple? Tara Davis-Woodall had a great year, even before the Olympics, but watching her compete was in and of itself spectacular. The take home for me however, was watching this couple celebrate together. Every athlete needs that support – unwavering and steady. How many athletes went straight to their families and enjoyed that moment together? No one achieves alone. Create a system to be that rock solid support for the athletes around you.
Success of our Local Athletes
Finals qualifiers, top 10 finishers, medalists, in climbing, track and field, mountain biking, and rugby – it was so awesome to see these home-grown athletes succeed. My take home from witnessing these athletes from our own backyard is that no matter where you are, you can make big things happen. People right around us are achieving on the world stage, and no matter where you live, there are resources and opportunities available to you. Just work where you are, and make the best of the current situation.
Katie Ledecky
This swimmer has been as dominant as anyone in her events for an incredibly long time. The longevity is impressive, and my take home from listening to her speak about her journey is that your motivation and drive change from time to time. Don’t be afraid to re-evaluate what is pushing you in your sports participation. Honest self-assessment and being flexible with your plan of attack is important. There are lots of right ways to go about success. Keeping it fresh and new to the athlete is one of the more valuable things you can do.
Snoop Dogg
Last but certainly not least was watching Snoop Dogg cover the Olympics. Now why is there a take home from this? Sport is to be celebrated, and he turned into the best hype man ever. He gathered interest to obscure events, and gave amazing energy everywhere he went. The guy made dressage appointment TV! Whatever the performance setting, from sport to fine arts, and whatever the age, everyone needs that love, respect and attention. Snoop brought that in spades to even the most obscure athletes. We can all strive to make that happen for the people around us regardless of level or type of performance.
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