Top 10 Lessons From The 2024 Olympic Games
The 2024 Olympic Games were a showcase of talent, resilience, and sportsmanship.
Here are the top ten lessons we can draw from the Olympic performances that may help us each in our own health and wellness journeys.
Mental Health is a Priority
Simone Biles once again reminded us of the importance of mental health. After her bold decision to prioritize her well-being at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Biles returned in 2024 with a renewed focus and success, adding 4 Olympic medals to her collection making her the most decorated US Olympic gymnast in history. Taking a time-out doesn’t mean defeat and instead may allow you to reset and come back stronger than ever.
The Power of Resilience
Sprinter Noah Lyles overcame injuries and setbacks to win gold in the 100 meters in a dramatic finish and bronze in the 200 meters. His journey highlighted the importance of perseverance, showing that with hard work and determination, athletes can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.
Maintaining Excellence
Katie Ledecky, one of the most decorated swimmers in history, added 4 Olympic medals to her collection in 2024. Competing in her fourth Olympics, Ledecky’s enduring excellence and leadership in the pool continued to inspire both veterans and newcomers in the sport. Achieving excellence for one moment in time is admirable, but the ability to sustain performance at such a high level over such a long period of time is a testimony to intelligent training and programming.
Body, Mind and Spirit
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shattered her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles, continuing her reign as one of the world’s top athletes. Her dedication to excellence and humility in victory make her a role model for athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
Brain, Brawn & Beauty
Gabby Thomas, Harvard graduate holding a Master’s Degree in Epidemiology, Model and 2024 Olympics Gold Medal Champion, demonstrates the kind of success that can be accomplished with hard work, commitment and dedication.
It’s Not Over Til it’s Over!
Cole Hocker was just trying to hang on during much of the men’s 1500-meter race, but with 200 meters to go, he passed 5 competitors to seize the Gold medal. Hocker reminds us to never give up and push to the finish!
Focus on What You CAN Do, Not What You Can’t
Tatyana McFadden has competed in multiple Paralympic Games, winning numerous medals across a range of distances in wheelchair racing, from the 100 meters to the marathon. She has earned a staggering 17 Paralympic medals, including seven golds, and she holds multiple world records. Her stellar performance in wheelchair racing has brought attention to the importance of inclusivity in sports. Her achievements are a testament to the idea that everyone, regardless of physical ability, has the right to compete at the highest level. Watch for her at the Paralympic Games from August 28th to September 8th.
Girl Power – American Women Brought Home Over Half of Team USA’s 2024 Olympic Medals
The U.S. women’s soccer, track, swimming, basketball, gymnastics teams and many others showed the world that women’s sports are as thrilling and competitive as ever. Inspire the girls and women in your life to lean towards sport and fitness, which will positively impact their physical and mental health.
Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork
Team USA once again dominated the medal count for the 2024 Summer Olympic games bringing home 126 Olympic medals, significantly higher than the next country, China, with 91 medals. The dominance of the USA team should remind us that we are inspired, challenged and supported by those we surround ourselves with. If you want to be strong, healthy and fit, surround yourself with others who are on the same mission.
It’s Never Too Late
Kristen Faulkner, having only started competing in cycling 7 years ago, stunned the cycling world, by winning Gold in the Women’s Road Race, something no American woman has achieved in 40 years. Faulkner reminds us that there could be a superstar within us, but we’ll never know if we don’t go for it and participate!
Yours in health & fitness,
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan
Sherri McMillan, holds a master's degree in exercise physiology and has been inspiring the world to adopt a fitness lifestyle for more than 33 years. She has received numerous industry awards including 2010 CanFitPro International Presenter of the Year, 2006 IDEA Fitness Director of the Year, 1998 IDEA Personal Trainer of the Year, 1998 CanFitPro Fitness Presenter of the Year and 2005/2006 ACE Fitness Educator of the Year - Runner up. She is a fitness trainer, fitness columnist for various magazines and newspapers, author of five books and manuals including "Go For Fit - the Winning Way to Fat Loss" and "Fit over Forty" and the featured presenter in various fitness DVDs. She has presented hundreds of workshops to thousands of fitness leaders throughout Canada, Australia, Mexico, Jamaica, New Zealand, Germany, England, Spain, South America, Asia and the U.S. She is the owner of Northwest Personal Training in downtown Vancouver, the founder of WHY Racing Events & WHY Community, participates in various community fundraisers and can be found running, biking, or hiking around the community. Find more information at nwpersonaltraining.com.