Olympic gold - discipline and inspiration from others

Whilst I have never been a sports fan it seems that less than a week after the start of the Brazilian games, Olympic fever may yet take hold of me, tugging me along in the wake of the amazing achievements of our team GB athletes. At the time of writing we have already gained more medals than in the same period during the London Olympics four years ago. I can begin to feel and share in the palpable excitement capturing the rest of the nation.

In the ensuing interviews with these inspirational young champions what is apparent is that their achievements have been dependent on a number of key factors.

There are tales of the personal sacrifices they have made, denying themselves the time to indulge in the simple daily pleasures the rest of us take for granted. This requires an incredible level of dedication and focus, day in, day out, all year round, to the exclusion of all else; basically putting what the rest of us might consider to be a ‘normal’ life on hold.

This may include the regular routine of training in addition to careful consideration of diet. Throughout history foodhas always played an important part in the life of athletes; the winner of the running race at the first recorded Olympics in 776 BC was in fact a cook,

In addition to this, medal winners frequently mention the support they have received from those who believe in them, be it friends, family or financial sponsors. The importance of this cannot be underestimated. The fact that others have belief in them and what they are trying to achieve can make all the difference between success and failure. I know this from personal experience in other areas of my own life and that of those I strive to support. Positive reinforcement can motivate, whereas negative influences can eventually wear down and destroy even the most determined person’s aspirations.

I recently came across a quote by Greek philosopher Epitectus: ”So you wish to conquer in the Olympic games, my friend? First mark the conditions and the consequences, and then set to work. You will have to put yourself under discipline; to eat by rule, to avoid cakes and sweetmeats; to take exercise at the appointed hour whether you like it or no, in cold and heat; to abstain from cold drinks and from wine at your will; in a word, to give yourself over to the trainer as to a physician. Then in the conflict itself you are likely enough to dislocate your wrist or twist your ankle, to swallow a great deal of dust, or to be severely thrashed … Difficulty shows what men are. Therefore, when a difficulty falls upon you, remember that … (it is) so that you may become an Olympic conqueror; but it is not accomplished without sweat.” Such sentiments remain true in our modern day lives.
Many years before this, the physician and 'father of medicine', Hippocrates, said, “Sport is a preserver of health.” Witnessing these Olympics achievements, there can be no doubt about the benefits of leading a healthy disciplined life.

Whilst I have no right to do so, for the next few weeks I shall enjoy basking in the reflected glory of others’ achievements. Proud to be British, you bet I am. I also believe that those individuals who have the capacity to inspire others have a moral obligation to do so.