Olympic Inspiration Part 2

The determination of the athletes who made it to the Olympics is incredible. Some of them persevered despite huge odds and obstacles. They knew what they wanted to achieve and they held the vision and they did it.

Their goal was not to medal. For these athletes, attending the Games and participating was what they set their sights on.

They may be the "big fish" back home. They may be from a land that is torn apart by war or politics or religion. They might not even have training facilities that every town in the USA has. And still they believed. They believed in the message of the Olympics--competition in sport can bring peace and understanding to the world.

So whether it is "Stany the Stingray" who finished last in the 50 meter freestyle--but was thrilled to attend and to compete--or the Iranian basketball team's presence for the first time since 1948, or athletes who literally dodge bullets to train, or the women who competed not wearing the latest technological breakthroughs but wearing traditional headscarves, these competitors were there for themselves and to represent their countries. Not for glory and certainly not for financial gain, their efforts rarely made television coverage, it is unlikely they'll get any commercial endorsements. Their countrymen may never know they were even there. But they were there. Fulfilling their vision. These are some true Olympians.

May I always remember both the determination they had to achieve their goal and the pleasure they took in the participating.

Olympic Inspirations

As a former swimmer, I love watching the Olympics, especially the swimming events.

As a student of The Law of Attraction and the power of thought, I was struck by the frequent references Michael Phelps made to having the vision of winning. He and his coach made the plan, took the actions necessary to achieve the plan and always had the belief that it was possible.

In fact, Coach Bob Bowman was the one who started the who process off by seeing (and believing) in Michael at age 11, a potentially great swimmer.

Dara Torres also provided inspiration for the power of our intentions. When asked what she would tell her daughter about this Olympic experience, she said "don't let your age define your goals." Wow.

How often do we listen to the "conventional wisdom" that says we can no longer do something because we have reached 'that' age (whatever 'that' age is")?

Both of these fantastic athletes have super strong belief in self and their abilities. They also take the steps needed to back up those beliefs. And the results flow to them.