The professionalism, gracefulness, determination and teamwork that Olympians share is so uncommon in the world today. Once you consider the years of commitment to their sport and the dedication to their training – only then can you sense the personal drive that exist in everyone of these special human beings. You can see how they put it all on the line, day in and day out. The sacrifices that Olympians make to get to that level of achievement in itself is a major accomplishment. It’s an incredible show of strength and resiliency. In the glory of winning and the agony of defeat, Olympians share a common bond that is undeniable.
Swiss skier Dominique Gisin leaves the course in pain after a devastating crash during the Women’s downhill event, while Lindsey Vonn of the United States raises her arm and shouts in glory after completing her gold-medal-winning run in the Alpine 
Skiing Ladies Downhill. Two extraordinary athletes with a different end-result. What made the difference in their performances that resulted in victory for one athlete and defeat for the other?
And then there is the ‘amazing moment’ category. This goes to none other than Joannie Rochette. Under tremendous anguish and stress from her personal journey and recent loss of her mom, she not only performs but comes away with a medal. It certainly put things in perspective and is a reminder to all of us – to put the very best that we can muster out on the line every single day. Do it with grace, kindness and a determination that is down to the detail, but do it!
Canada’s Joannie Rochette cries after performing in the Ladies’ Figure Skating Short Program. Although Rochette’s mother had passed away from a heart attack in Vancouver only days earlier, she decided to stay in the competition and won a Bronze Medal for her amazing performance.
If only our politicians could live by the same rules, what a country we would have. Imagine if they treated each other with the same respect during the election as our Olympic athletes did during their quest for a medal. Imagine that they were as graceful as our Olympic athletes were at the conclusion of their race – win or lose. Imagine the drive, the tenacity, yet the integrity that would go into each obstacle they faced.
The last time I wrote about the Olympics, was to document that incredible United States swim team race. They had just taken the gold medal in the 4 x 100 relay race from the French and Australian teams. I felt compelled to tell the story of how these four swimmers overcame such obstacles and how they bunkered down to pull out this unlikely victory. Most people get accustomed to being average and accept it as normal behavior. The 5 Rings of Gold Medal Service will greatly help you articulate your own greatness. SMASH the Competition, the right way! spells out each detail to victory.
Each of us is accountable for our own results and the journey to get there. Sure it’s about winning, but it will always be about how you play the game of life. So again I ask you, What do YOU have in common with an Olympic Athlete?
Time to Get Involved, Get Loud & Think on the Brink
Get your competitive edge with Malcolm’s book, SMASH the Competition…the right way!