Why I compete

Well, here I am, my first blog post.....what to write about? i was thinking my first post should be something that defines me, something that is at the core of who i am, and then it popped into my head, a discussion between my sports psychologist about why I compete.

Its a question that had an immediate albeit easy answer....the normal ...to do my best...to win medals..but he wanted me to go deeper. The answer was still simple but its power is what defines me as this view gives me not only a passion to commit to my sport and work for the grandest of stages, but to face any challenge of my life.

As im watching the Olympics tonight, Rhaj Bavsar, a US gymnast is telling his story. His story and his dilemma mirrors my answers to Jim's question. Here Rhaj stands at the Biejing olympics, unexpectedly, after he thought his career was over. In the years that preceded his unexpected appearance tonight in the Olympics he felt a lack of a true definition of self as his life moved away from sport. What Rhaj realized that fixed his dilemma was a personal view of himself, a realization that who he was as a top gymnastics athlete is something much bigger than his athletic "self". Once Rhaj saw his life as bigger than athletics he no longer struggled, and as he and his teammates put on an edgy and gutsy team qualification I cant help but think that his change of mindset is part of not only his success but his teams. 

My answer to Jim's question mirror's Rhaj's revelation.

At the heart of the Olympic journey is the innate belief that our potential has yet to be fufilled. From this wellspring of belief in ourselves comes a lifelong journey of fulfilling that potential. it applies not only to the athletic realm, but to all aspects of our lives. It is what hooked me from my earliest years as a slider. It is defined by what is best in all human beings. Dreams, commitment, passion, dedication and triumph over adversity. The effects of these experiences leave is with something greater than out athletic pursuits, they help define who we are at our core. It is something we cary into every arena of our life, inspiring and uplifting along the way. This is the real expansive power of the Olympics. It is the collective power of the people that we inspire, to have the courage to embark on their own journey, seeking what is best within themselves and in their own ways emboldening others. We are all worthy to stand on the grandest of stages. This is the true power of the Olympics. This is why I compete.