THE MEDAL BEFORE THE MEDAL

I love when the Olympics roll around. For 17 days, the world comes together to celebrate the best of the best athletes in the world. For 17 days we become couch-bound experts on deductions for legs being separate when they should be together on the balance beam, toes not being pointed when they should be on floor exercises or hesitation at the starting blocks on the 200 M race on the track and so on. For 17 days we become flag experts again. For 17 days we forget about the circus of this election year and for 17 days we celebrate “The Win” with so much emotion.

Simone Biles, the 4 foot 8 inch GIANT is such an inspiration to watch - she is poised beyond her years and has such composure, however the emotion is there. Simone Manuel, the first African American woman to win a gold medal for singles swimming, was visibly emotional not only for her win but for all that it represents and the responsibility that will follow with being a role model to young girls who will follow in her footsteps. I love how, in her humility, she gave all the glory to God. I love how Michael Phelps, even receiving his 22nd gold medal (22nd!!) was still visibly shaken and emotional when our National Anthem begins to play.

I noticed as I watched Aly “Stick That Landing” Raisman complete her floor exercise (just as she erupted trying to hold back her tears) how the emotion that followed that seemingly perfect floor routine was likely a result of, not so much that particular routine or nerves necessarily, but of all the routines that came before it. I enjoyed watching her as much as I enjoyed watching her parents in the stands.

I couldn’t help but think of how many years of practice, how many miles traveled to meets, how many early mornings and long days at the gym or at the pool, how much sacrifice from them, their parents and their coaches came into this moment. You see, we are simply seeing the tip of the iceberg. We watch them take a simple, effortless step onto the podium, the proverbial summit of their mountains.

I imagine the emotion when they are standing there may come from the sense of accomplishment, pride for their country and appreciation for all who helped them get there. The world sees the winner but they, ah, they know that this journey was filled with races lost, missed landings, injuries, disappointments, slips, falls and sacrifice.

What’s the difference between them and people who think of themselves as just average (not that ‘average’ really exists)? They kept their eyes on the medal before the medal. They were focused. They knew their WHY. They had purpose.

They saw themselves on that podium long before they were actually standing on that podium. They likely imagined themselves standing there so many times that it didn’t even seem new when it finally happened. They earned it because they expected it!

These athletes are ordinary people with extraordinary determination, passion, resolve, fortitude, courage, unwillingness to fail and a willingness to venture beyond their comfort zones. They deserve every ounce of the emotion because they gave it their all and in so doing, they give us all hope, belief and understanding that if we apply all of these attributes, we too can accomplish whatever we set our minds to.

Praying you are focused enough to keep your eye on your prize, your purpose and your dreams long enough to accomplish them. They are YOURS to accomplish so JUST DO IT!

Berta Medina-Garcia, P.C.C. Success & Adventure Coach www.dreamerssucceed.com