If you’re anything like me I was GLUED to my TV for the entire 3 weeks of the Tokyo Olympics that ended a few weeks ago. It was diverse athletic brilliance! It feels nice to have my life back, haha.
I’m so excited to share these 5 lessons that stood out for me that will help you reach your own Olympic potential!
Images from the Tokyo Olympics [Tampa Bay Times files]
Mary Hanna and Calanta at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: Peter Nixon
Allyson Felix, Photo: Getty Images
4. You have another gear.
The stories were amazing and inspiring. From one runner having breathing complications when he was a little boy to others healing from the virus and overcoming injuries, you name it they went through it.
One particular swimmer was behind in a race and kicked it into another gear and won gold—twice! How’d he do it? Right after the first race, he texted his coach back home to tell him that he heard him yelling at him in his head to switch gears. That must be a really proud coach right now.
The relationship between the coach and athlete was a tear-jerker at times. A coach is there to cheer you on, tell you the truth, push you harder the next day even when you’re in pain, give you a good talking to when you’ve forgotten who you are, and give you a big hug for the win.
I was so touched when I saw the video of an Olympian from my area letting her coach wear her medal. He was all smiles.
God is our Master coach and puts earthly coaches in our lives for a reason.
5.. The tougher the setback, the higher they climbed.
There were a lot of firsts! The first Black woman to win gold in wrestling, the first woman to win a gold medal for Taekwondo, and a medical student becoming the first U.S. man or woman to win gold in Women’s Foil Individual Fencing. I can’t possibly list them all! And to top it all off, a woman from Great Britain secured a historic gold medal in BMX freestyle after landing a 360-degree backflip! It had never been landed in a competition before – until now. And guess what? It was her second try! She walked away with gold because she tried again.
Keep doing your part. Try again to position yourself for the miracle.
Photos: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP (top row), Phil Walter/ Getty Images (bottom left), Adam Pretty/Getty Images (bottom right)
Are you believing in your potential? You may not think you have potential because of everything you’re going through and have been through. I’m here to tell you that you do. The setback you’re going through can make the way for an even greater comeback. I can’t take the step for you—only you can do that. I wanted to let you know that there’s still time to join me for A Purpose Revealed: The 30-day Adventure to your Unlocking your Life’s Purpose beginning next week on Tuesday, September 7th. There’s no better way to live up to your potential by finding out what God has placed on the inside of you for His glory. Sitting on your gifts is not doing anyone any favors. If you’re ready to unlock your brilliance, live out your purpose that leads to lasting joy and fulfillment, and all while making an impact in the world, hit reply and say, “I’m ready.” I would love to be your coach.
Isn’t it time you met your inner Olympian?
1. It’s anybody’s game.
There is usually a beautifully edited, inspiring, and encouraging video package of who the favored is to win before a competition on TV. But what happens when the favored doesn’t win? There were many surprises and upsets in the Summer Olympics. Sometimes you will be hidden and when the time comes, you have to do your thang. For example, Team USA in Women’s Gymnastics lost their leader. Still, they stepped up and triumphed! You never know what’s going to go down which is why you have to do your part and be prepared for anything.
Let the Holy Spirit be your guide and strengthen you in all things.
2. Age ain’t nothing but a number.
I watched a 13-year-old female diver from China go out and perform flawless dives and a 17-year-old high school male runner from Team USA outrun the experienced. There was also a 66-year-old Australian equestrian who represented her country at the Olympics for the sixth time. You go, girl! Remember these stories (and there are many more like them) when someone tells you you’re too old or too young. They’re all lies!
You’re never too old or too young to be used by God.
3. Mommies RULED!
“They,” told one sprinter that she couldn’t get her body into shape fast enough for the Olympics after having her baby. I sure would have loved to see their faces when she won gold. Another track star is running the fastest season of her career — after she had her son. “Everyone said I would retire after I had a baby,” she said. She calls herself, “Mommy rocket!” “They” never know what they’re talking about. Kindly ignore them.
Our bodies were designed by the Almighty. He always has the last say so.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica. Photo: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Bobby Finke, Photo: Gregory Bull, AP
Tamyra Mensah-Stock, Photo: Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters
The formula was clear: The setbacks made the way for an even greater comeback!
I’m tearing up as I write this because this Olympian amazed me. At the age of three, Isaquias Queiroz dos Santos spent more than a month recovering in the hospital after a pot of boiling water fell on him. He suffered significant burns to his body. Two years later, he was kidnapped and offered up for adoption before being returned to his mother. Then, when he was 10 years old, he fell out of a tree while trying to capture a snake. He damaged his kidney so badly that it had to be removed. Crazy right?!? None of these dramas prevented him from winning an Olympic gold medal in the men’s canoe singles!
When he was asked about overcoming the challenges as a kid, he said those experiences made him the tough competitor he is today. “That is how I reached here,” he said. “I am not special for being here. I just tried and always believed in myself.” “Believe in your potential,” he added. Queiroz dos Santos dedicated his gold medal to the victims of the pandemic back home in Brazil.