Olympians have challenges, just like you!
Hi there,
Ever since I was old enough to watch sport on TV I have loved the Olympic Games. My earliest memories are the Munich Olympics in 1972. Of course it’s remembered for the awful terrorist atrocities but I was 8 years old at the time and it’s the sporting performances that I remember.
- Mark Spitz winning seven gold medals in the pool
- Gymnast Olga Korbut capturing everyone’s hearts with two gold medals and her acrobatic routines
- Lasse Viren winning the first of his double doubles (5k & 10k on the track in ’72 & ’76)
- USSR beating USA in the men's basketball final, still regarded as one of the most controversial international games in basketball history. It was a close match and the USA were leading 50-49 with 3 seconds remaining. Those last 3 seconds were replayed 3 times until USSR scored! Check that game out HERE.
- I also remember an American 800m runner, Dave Wottle, coming from last at 600m to win the gold medal with the most monumental of sprint finishes you’ll ever see.
Every 4 years we witness amazing performances and emotional moments.
Behind every one of these performances, whether it is a world record or an athlete representing a war torn country taking part in the heats, there is a story. Injury, illness, changes in life circumstances, adapting to less than perfect training environments.
We've all experienced at least one of these, and so have Olympians. Yet here they are, competing on the biggest stage. Just like you, they had a dream and despite many events which might have thrown them off course they have overcome each of these obstacles to reach Paris.
If you want true inspiration then as well as being inspired by their awesome feats, seek out their backstories. When things get hard during training for your next Ironman, Ultra or long distance swim, stories like these are what can inspire you:
GB Rower Georgie Brayshaw recovering from a 9 day coma and temporary paralysis after a horse riding accident.
Mountain Biker Evie Richards who overcame an eating disorder to become World and Commonwealth champion.
Taekwondo athlete Farzad Mansouri who fled from Afghanistan to escape the Taliban.
There are so many more out there. Do you have a favourite inspirational story from past Olympics or even a favourite moment? Why not share it on my Facebook page HERE.
Have a great day, and enjoy the next 2 weeks of Olympic awesomeness!
P.S. If you haven't yet downloaded my FREE 10 minutes per day mobility plan, you can GRAB YOUR COPY HERE
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I really appreciate you being part of my tribe and I look forward to helping you achieve better health and better performance.
Simon
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