Olympic Motivation for Beating the
Competition
Rachel Chapman, Owner, Express Employment, Huntsville
Every other year, athletes from
around the globe gather in one place to compete for the top honors in their
sports. This summer, the Olympic Games are taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,
and promise to continue the tradition of creating unforgettable moments of
athleticism and grit.
Already the champions of their home
countries, Olympians share a goal to become world champions in their events.
They aim to take home the gold medal and secure their place in history. In
addition to training and talent, the competing athletes also find inspiration
in those who have gone before them. Like those traveling to Rio this August,
you can use the lessons of past Olympians to help you on your path to beating
the competition—whether it’s in your job search, on the corporate ladder or in
the workplace.
Never give up.
It’s 1980, and the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, are well
underway. Never regarded as a top team in the sport, the United States men’s
hockey team found themselves with the odds stacked against them. Made up of
amateur and collegiate players, the U.S. team was pitted against powerhouse Russia.
In an unexpected, stunning display of commitment and strength, they beat the
Soviet team and went on to win gold. Now recognized as the “Miracle on Ice,”
the victory went down in history as an example of grit that continues to
inspire today. If you’re up against incredible odds, take a lesson from Lake
Placid and remember that anything is possible.
Fight through the challenges.
Gymnast Kerri Strug, a member of the historic “Magnificent Seven,” had a heroic
showing at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Not only did Strug help ensure
the United States’ first-ever team gold medal in Women’s Gymnastics, her second
vault performance went down in history when she stuck the landing after a
serious ankle injury on the previous attempt. Strug’s performance is a reminder
that passion and courage can overcome even the most challenging of times.
Let nothing stand in your way.
Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton won the 1984 Olympic gold medal in Los
Angeles, after taking home numerous U.S. and world championship titles. Known
for his backflips and entertaining athleticism, Hamilton went on to make history
in his sport. In 1997, however, Hamilton was diagnosed with cancer. With
renewed perspective and goals, he continued to perform professionally until he
retired four years later. In 2004, Hamilton received a brain tumor diagnosis,
and yet again overcame his odds. The Olympian’s unyielding courage and strength
is proof that, when you have your mind set on a goal, nothing can stop you from
reaching it.
Accept help from other.
After his own athletes had been eliminated early in the competition,
Canadian cross-country ski coach Justin Wadsworth still made history at the
2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. During one of the races, Wadsworth noticed
Russian Anton Gafarov struggling to complete the course. He had crashed and
broken a ski, which wrapped around his foot and caused him to drag across the
course. When no one, including Gafarov’s own coaches, stepped in to help,
Gafarov jumped to action. He grabbed a spare ski from his Canadian team and ran
onto the track, where he pulled off the broken equipment and replaced it.
Gafarov was able to cross the finish line with Wadsworth’s help, a reminder
that even the best of the best need a little help every now and then.
Be groundbreaking.
Still a newer sport in the Olympic Games, snowboarding has come a long way
since athletes like Shaun White have taken over. A daring, stunning athlete,
White shocked spectators during the 2010 Vancouver snowboarding halfpipe finals
when he completed the world’s first Double McTwist 1260. The trick, which is
the most difficult in the history of the sport, earned White the gold medal and
instant fame. White recognized the risk and reward of being the first to
accomplish a groundbreaking feat, and his Olympic run is a reminder that giving
it your all can put you on top.
Go against the grain.
In 1960, barefoot running had yet to become a trend. So when Abebe Bikila, an
Olympian from Ethiopia, ran the marathon in Rome without shoes, he made
history. A last-minute replacement for an injured teammate, Bikila had issues
with his running shoes and decided to run barefoot in the heat of the late
afternoon. Not only did Bikila win the gold medal, he shattered the Olympic
record and set a new world best. Bikila’s inspiring story proves that thinking
outside the box, and being quick to adapt to challenges, can set you apart from
the competition.
As one of the most beloved
Olympians of our time, Muhammad Ali, once said, “He who is not courageous
enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” If you’re trying to beat
the competition and land a job, get a promotion or start a business, you may
have to take risks and put it all on the line. Like the Olympic champions
before you, your success will be defined by how you choose to beat the odds and
reach your goals.
Remember, with courage, passion and
perseverance, your definition of a gold medal can be attained.