Six Things I learned at the Olympics

Simran gave me an opportunity of a lifetime. Travel with TeamUSA Triathlon to the Paris Olympics. As a TeamUSA Triathlon athlete (non-Olympic,) I relished spending time working out, dining and chilling with Olympic athletes including medalists. We enjoyed TeamUSA House where we met with Olympians including the men’s gymnastics and fencing teams. We had terrific viewing to many events along the way. The experience was a great way to improve my motivation heading into next weeks TeamUSA World Duathlon Championships in Australia. Here is what I learned.

The Lead. It does not matter how long you hold a lead, it is who leads in the end. We saw with Noah Lyle’s. He could have given up since he was behind 99% of the 100M but he pushed and crossed before anyone else. He overcame not only race time realities, but previous bouts with anxiety, depression and asthma. Gold.  

Against Odds. A year before the Paris Olympics, Suni Lee was hit with a devastating 1-2 punch of incurable kidney diseases. She gained 45 pounds and lost strength and flexibility. Her tried and tested training methods no longer worked. Her 2024 hopes faded. With coaches and clinicians she modified therapies, routines and found a new strength. Gold.

Rise Up. Kristen Faulkner is most similar to you and I who are reading this on LinkedIn. Focused on her career and doing well, she made a late transition into professional cycling. Successful the last couple of years, she was only a replacement athlete for TeamUSA who was called up. Kristen, took full advantage of the circumstances. The first American to win a road racing gold in 40 years. She finished the 158-kilometer race almost a minute ahead of all other cyclists. Make full use of an interim role. Gold.

Specialization. Stephen Nedoroscik. They dubbed him the “pommel horse guy”. While most gymnasts are chosen for their prowess in multiple events, Stephen is only focused on one. Pommel Horse. He prepared all his life for this moment. In the final event of the Team competition, with all pressure on him to deliver, he nailed it. He perfected his craft. Bronze.

Resilience. The Men and Women Triathlon team performed poorly in the individual events. Most of the athletes finished near the back of the pack.There were next day TeamUSA Triathlon doomsday reports. Sharing a meal with them post race, they were understandably distraught. They knew they were better. The knew they could bounce back and redeem themselves at the Triathlon Mixed Relay.  They did. Silver.

Team. Even individual sport athletes know nothing is possible without the broader team. This especially hit home when we spent time with reigning Special Olympics all-around female gymnast champion Chelsea Werner. Her resume reads like Simone and in fact they are fast friends. Chelsea and her mom shared all the support they have to make it possible for her to travel and compete globally representing TeamUSA. We all need someone. Many someones. Gold.

I know the Olympics are full of stories like these. I know there are many more. There are stories as bold as these that play out every day in our sacred service in healthcare. While no medals are won or anthems sung, we collectively make daily miracles in the lives of our patients, families and communities. Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s service.

In spite of the odds, the grind, the double shift, lack of sleep, administrivia, backward policy, etc., healthcare workers demonstrate the grit of an Olympic athlete daily. Rising up. Specialization. Mission. Resilience. Teamwork.  

The Results. Lives saved. Quality of life improved. Lives birthed. And sometimes just holding a hand in the sanctity of death. Gold.