It’s Olympic season in Paris, and the excitement is palpable! Amidst the flurry of incredible performances, Christa Deguchi has made history by winning Canada’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in judo! As of now, Canada has bagged 9 medals (and counting), showcasing the country’s diverse talent and dedication to excellence in sports.
From Family Fun to Olympic Games
My passion for sports traces back to my childhood in India. Growing up in a family of sports enthusiasts, I was surrounded by the electrifying energy of competition and camaraderie. For those familiar with the South Asian subcontinent, "cricket fever" is a real phenomenon. My mum was a die-hard cricket fan, diligently completing all her chores before game time. The loud cheering from my home, with my parents passionately supporting their favorite players, created an unforgettable atmosphere. My dad, in his excitement, would often be found biting his nails, while my maternal uncle, a state-level football player and coach, would share his wisdom and experience with us.
Our family gatherings were incomplete without intense badminton and ping-pong (table-tennis) sessions among cousins and friends from the neighbourhood, while I personally enjoyed playing badminton and basketball. The joy and unity experienced in team sports are unparalleled. However, Kabaddi was a game I dreaded, as I often found myself easily dragged to the opponent's side. Tugging games were not my forte!
Watching the Olympics on television was a cherished family event. I vividly remember my first Olympics when Misha was the mascot in the 1980s and Lionel Richie’s iconic performance of “All Night Long” during another time. Observing these world-class athletes sparked numerous thoughts: What made them so extraordinary? How did they reach such an outstanding level of performance? What was their journey like?
The Road to Excellence: Practice, Determination, and Resilience
The answer lies in relentless practice, determination, and resilience. Athletes face failure, but it’s their mindset during those challenging times that sets them apart. They keep going, fueled by an unwavering passion for their sport. This dedication is evident in my friend, Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt, a decorated athlete and Paralympic trialist. Her journey taught me that championing a sport—or any aspect of life—requires a burning passion, a joy in the pursuit, and an unstoppable spirit.
The Olympics showcase world-class champions and are a testament to what humans can achieve when they combine talent with relentless effort. They show us that becoming a world-class champion isn't just about physical prowess; it’s about mental toughness, strategic planning, and an unyielding belief in oneself. The athletes who rise to the top are those who can push through pain, overcome failures, and continuously strive for improvement. They are living proof that greatness is within reach for anyone willing to put in the work and persevere through challenges.
Coaching: The Secret Ingredient to Success
A critical element in achieving greatness is being open to learning and having a coach. A coach is not just a mentor but a catalyst for growth, challenging you, pushing your boundaries, and bringing out the best in you. They see your potential even when you can’t and hold you accountable to your vision, especially during times of doubt and setbacks.
Life, much like a game, requires us to be determined and focused. Whether playing solo like a javelin thrower or as part of a team like in basketball, we must navigate our strengths and collaborate effectively. A coach helps us acknowledge our breakdowns and build on our possibilities, guiding us toward our goals.
As a Life Transformation Coach, I challenge you to reflect:
Where in your life are you playing small?
Where are you hiding?
Are you struggling to contribute as part of a team, feeling lost and invisible?
Where are you robbing yourself of world-class success?
The only barrier to taking action in the right direction is you.
Are you playing the spectator instead of stepping into the arena?
Take this quiz and book a call with me here
Let's step up your game and embrace your inner champion!
As a coach/mentor, I have discovered that no matter how much we believe in the other person, It will always depend on what they decide to do with the information we provide them with.😎