Victory in Adversity

As we celebrate the gold medal won by 58-year old showjumper, Nick Skelton, who broke his neck in 2000, have you noticed how many of our Olympic champions have overcome adversity in health to become who they are?

– Chris Mears, Olympic Diver, defied death with a burst spleen;

– Becky James, two-time silver medal winning cyclist, had to stop training for 18 months when she was diagnosed with early cervical cancer;

– Siobhan-Marie O’Connor, silver medalist in swimming, suffers from bowel disease;

– And the list goes on.

It is a testament to how strong the brain is when faced with pain – and, worse, possible loss of life.

It is as if, when dealing with things beyond their control (their health issues), sports women/men are able to focus their minds on reaching their goals in their preferred sport. This, at least, is something they can manage.

Furthermore, the thought of losing is not such a threat. Many of us lose in competitions because we have a fear of losing. The brilliant book by Susan Jeffers, Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway, comes to mind – fear of failure can literally paralyze.

Armed with this positive mindset, these amazing Olympians have also come to realise the value of the support of others – family, friends, doctors and nurses – very much along the lines of FindAFriend For A Smooth Life Transition TM, one of the services Baudino&Co offers to its clients.

This is extended in the context of the medallists’ sporting activity as trust in their coaches and advisors. They are prepared to listen and learn – a certain humility has resulted from their previous dealings as patients.

So to quote the former Team GB cycling guru, Sir David Brailsford, these Olympians have benefitted from ‘marginal gains’:

• Determination to reach a manageable goal
• Faith that the goal is attainable
• Humility and trust in dealing with their advisors.

Clearly, not everyone can overcome obstacles in such spectacular fashion, but all of us can learn from the lessons these sporting superstars have learnt to achieve such perfection.

No wonder banks like Goldman Sachs want to employ former medalists…

Thank you for reading!