A Day in the Life of a Future Olympic Athlete
Olympic athletes aren’t born, they are made. They achieve success through hard work, determination, healthy diet, good lifestyle habits, and a clear vision of what they want to achieve. Let’s look at a day in the life of a future Olympian to understand what it takes to heed the call to greatness.
They Pursue Their Passion
Every Olympic champion—from Jackie Joyner-Kersee to Michael Phelps to Gabby Douglas—started out with a love of their sport at a very young age. Whether it’s figure skating, swimming, alpine skiing, gymnastics, or track and field, young athletes must have a strong passion that will motivate them to become the best they can be.
The best Olympic athletes reportedly devote 10,000 hours of training to their sports in the four years leading up to the Games. If they didn’t love what they do, they would never be able to give all they have to their sport.
They Take Care of Their Bodies
Every top-caliber athlete understands the importance of good nutrition. They realize they must steer clear of junk food and adhere to a diet that will keep them healthy and enhance their athletic performance. They also know how vital it is for them to get a good night’s sleep, since that’s what will get them ready for another day of training.
Similarly, athletes have learned the necessity of taking a break from training, allowing their bodies to rest and recuperate from the strains of physical activity. Being good to their bodies is what will provide them the physical endurance to bolster their Olympic potential.
They Constantly Strive to Improve
Being the best means never being satisfied with your current performance—no matter how good it may be. To be better at what you do, you need to set aside time for introspection and self-evaluation. Know your weaknesses, set goals for improvement, and you’ll become a better athlete as a result.
They Have a Support System
Olympic champions don’t get to the top of their sport without a lot of support. For most athletes, it starts with parents who recognize something special in their son or daughter. Along the way, they have the support of coaches, trainers, mentors, and friends. Even if an athlete is competing in an individual sport, such as swimming, skiing, or running, those who have the best chance of success realize they are never going to make it on their own.
Future Olympic athletes—and all of us—can benefit from a daily routine that encompasses hard work, goal-setting, eating well, physical activity, developing supportive relationships, and maintaining a passion for what we do. Athletes and others who take this well-rounded approach are best positioned for success.
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