Millions of eyes will be on Paris, France this week as the 2024 Summer Olympic Games kick off. Elite athletes from around the world are chosen or must qualify to compete in hopes of securing medals in their sport on the behalf of their country. Athletes as young as thirteen have an opportunity to make history for themselves and their nation over two and a half weeks.
What can adolescents and young adults learn from watching athletes in the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Athletes competing in the Olympic Games are no stranger to overcoming adversity and pursuing personal and professional growth. Adolescents and young adults can learn a lot from watching Olympians actively engage in the process of making their goals a reality – by placing for a medal in their sport. Here are some of the key lessons teens can learn by watching these athletes perform under pressure.
In an interview with NBC on July 26th, ahead of the Olympic Opening Ceremony, USA Women’s Basketball star Kelsey Plum expressed the importance of embracing the here and now. “I was enjoying the rain. I just want to take it all in. I want to enjoy the present moment,” she said.
Staying in the present moment is a mindfulness technique. Mindfulness is a practice that allows an individual to stay grounded and usher out hesitation or doubt. Research shows focusing on the present is proven to decrease stress, anxiety, depression, and improve mental well-being by increasing awareness of self, others, and any feelings associated with the moment.
Teens can try several techniques to help them stay in the present. Box breathing and 5-sense awareness are easy-to-do strategies that have an immediate grounding effect.
In an interview with NBC, American Olympic track and field sprinter Kenny Bednarek said he is feeling confident ahead of his race. Bednarek won a silver medal in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. This time, he says he’s back to take it all. “I want to prove that I am the best, I’m going in with that mentality. I am going to go out and show off.”
These athletes did not show up to the Paris 2024 Games on accident – their presence is an indicator of their years-long dedication to training and competing at the highest level. And they didn’t start there, they worked their way up to the top.
Here’s what teens can learn from athletes like Bednarek: to trust their training. Whether it’s in sports, academics, arts, or any other endeavor, it is pivotal to trust in the hours of effort you put in to pay off on your behalf. Confidence is borne from action; the hours of effort in practice and preparation is what creates self-esteem, self-belief, and assuredness in the long run. Positive self-talk is also at play. Bednarek is speaking life into himself, reinforcing that he has prepared and is ready for the challenge ahead of him.
Each athlete in the Olympics represents their country in their sport. Even if the athlete performs in an individual competition, they are still part of a larger group; a team within the sport itself, and a team of national athletes as a whole. During the opening ceremonies, NBC interviewed A’ja Wilson, Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics gold medalist and USA Women’s Basketball star, and asked her what it felt like to be a member of the Paris 2024 team. She replied, “It’s truly amazing to be a part of… I love my teammates… we’ve been rivals, but now we’re joining together to go for gold.”
The third lesson teens can learn from these Olympians is to embrace teamwork and being a teammate in every form. Whether it’s sports, school, arts, family, friends, or community… you are never alone, and can always find someone to support (or support you). Tapping into social structures is essential for mental well-being and personal growth. Teammates build each other up and hold each other accountable on the path to a shared goal.
Source:
NBC Live Broadcast: Paris 2024 Olympics, July 26th 2024.
