As the world turns it’s attention to the XXX Summer
Olympic Games, it’s hard not to be entirely captivated. Not only because the triumphs
and tribulations of our world’s best athletes are featured on every
channel and social media venue, but because watching someone challenge their passion is truly
incredible.
The beautiful images of sculpted bodies will flash across our screens for the next few weeks. We experience moments that are glorious, and we share the heartache. At times, we swear we can feel how excruciatingly difficult something must be and then, effortless. We yearn for the unbridled joy that comes with watching one of “ours” stand on the podium – and we bite our fingernails in anticipation, as we watch yet another final.
From an outside perspective, competition might look like the moment athletes face their passion but ultimately, that’s the moment they face themselves.
I’m not trying to be obscure. I myself am dedicating my entire being to prepare for an event where I will be expected to perform at my absolute best for what’s really a mere moment in time … wait, I’m doing what … ?!
Side note: Canadian Olympian Jennifer Heil on the pressures of competition
 |
| Some “friends” of mine |
As with most things in life, being an elite-level athlete does not come with a “how-to” guide, it never makes any exciting promises or presents us with a signed document filled with lifetime guarantees. None of us challenge our passion because someone along the way said it was going to be easy – and while there is no generic reason as to exactly why we do – the overarching reality is that deep inside of each and every one of us there is a spark, and when you discover a true passion in life – that spark ignites into a flame — and then … well, there’s no turning back.
Most athletes will tell you – Summer OR Winter Olympics always have a sneaky way of raising our endorphins. Helping us to visualize our place in that world; a potential moment in our not so distant future.
In the world of Skeleton – there are only two more months before the ice makes it’s way back onto the tracks around the world. That’s 8 more weeks to breakdown the processes – to find new techniques and cues, 60 more days to get comfortable being uncomfortable and 1,440 hours to find a way to be my best.
So while this journey has already tested me in more ways than one – and I’m certain there is a hell of a lot more on it’s way – I’m ready for anything; I will do what it takes.
This is my passion – and in my passion is where I find strength.
