Inspiration from women at the Olympics

by | Aug 12, 2024 | Achieve Goals, Change management, Emotional Intelligence, Personal Development

It’s women’s month in South Africa and I’ve been thinking about how incredible and inspiring the women in the 2024 Paris Olympics have been. They have achieved remarkable feats, set records, stood steadfast in the face of intense scrutiny and unfounded criticism – and served as powerful examples for future generations. Here are some of my favourite examples. This is not a comprehensive list but just some of my highlights. Please share yours and together we can be inspired to keep taking Key Steps to…

‘be the difference that makes the difference.’

  1. Simone Biles (Gymnastics, USA)
    She is one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. For me, it’s not her exceptional talent or the multiple gold medals that she’s won that have inspired me the most though. It’s the fact that Simone prioritised her mental health and took a break from sport. She then defied the odds and silenced the nay sayers by showing that it’s possible to come back stronger after stepping away to care for oneself. This is courage. This is wisdom. This is an incredible example for women and girls all over the world.
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  2. Tatjana Smith (Swimming, South Africa)
    This Olympics, she’s added to her legacy by winning two medals for the 100m (gold) and 200m (silver) breaststroke. Over and above her awards, what I find extremely inspiring is how she turned her narrow failure to qualify for the Rio Olympics in 2016 (by only 0.01 of a second) into a career defining moment. She returned stronger and won gold in the 200m breaststroke at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, setting a new Olympic record. A shining beacon for South Africa and young swimmers everywhere showing, that dedication to one’s craft can triumph over failure. I think the best example she sets is her humility and graciousness in both victory and defeat. I’m so proud!
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  3. Sky Brown (Skateboarding, Great Britain)
    I was an anxious and self-conscious teenager so I really can’t imagine achieving what Sky has. She made history in 2020, winning a bronze medal in the women’s park skateboarding event. After the 2024 Paris Olympics, she is now the youngest Olympic gold medallist in British history! She is known for being daring and creative. Her routines captivate audiences and showcase the evolution of skateboarding as an Olympic sport. She is remarkable. Her fearless approach to the sport has inspired a new generation of athletes, proving that age is no barrier to achieving international greatness.
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  4. A’ja Wilson (Basketball, USA)
    She was outstanding in her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. A’ja’s role was pivotal in leading the USA women’s basketball team to its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. Her performance highlighted the importance of teamwork and leadership in achieving success. She also uses her platform to advocate for gender equality and social justice, setting an example both on and off the court. She is a sterling example for athletes and women (and men) everywhere. I’ve become a big fan and very inspired.
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  5. Imane Kehlif (Boxing, Algeria)
    Imane’s gold medal was surrounded by extreme controversy. She faced intense – and unnecessary – scrutiny and criticism, particularly from prominent figures who questioned her right to compete in women’s boxing. However, she secured her victory in the women’s 66kg category and dedicated her win to all those who supported her amidst the backlash. I didn’t know of her before this win and the social media frenzy it created. I almost got sucked into the lies but I’m glad I thought better about it. A little research and I discovered that no-one made a big deal out of Imane losing to a woman in the Tokyo Olympics. And many were spreading transgender lies when she is a woman and has always lived as a woman. Her response to the controversy was not only about defending her identity but also about upholding the dignity and honour of her accomplishments. She also called for an end to the bullying of athletes, emphasising the importance of adhering to Olympic values of fairness and respect. I admire her stance and her behaviour in the face of worldwide criticism when she should have been congratulated. I think we can all learn from this and be careful of what we believe in the media.

Thank you to these incredible women for the inspiration and example they set. I hope this leaves you inspired and ready to be brave and courageous and take your own Key Steps to…

‘be the difference that makes the difference.’

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Namaste,

 

NOTE: The information in my blog may be freely shared and re-used in any online or offline publication, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line: This was written by Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, and originally appeared in her free bi-weekly  ‘Key Steps Food for Thought Blog’ available on the Key Steps website.

Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, EQ Expert, Founder and CEO

Sharon is a dynamic facilitator, speaker and executive coach with over 25 years’ experience in leadership development and organisational transformation. Her PhD thesis contributed a framework for holistic and sustainable leadership development that was published by Rutgers University in the USA. She is faculty of numerous business schools and highly sought-after by leading corporates because she works hand-in-hand with them to create sustainable results and long-term success. In 2020, Sharon was inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame, which is a lifetime achievement award, recognising excellence and her contribution to the field.

Sharon is one of only three women in South Africa to hold the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) – the Oscar of the speaking industry. She is also a COMENSA Master Practitioner (CMP), a qualified Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT™) and an accredited Global Virtual Speaker. Sharon is also a registered Education, Training and Development Practitioner (ETDP), holds an Honours degree in Psychology and practices as an NLP master practitioner.

Most important to Sharon is that she has become known for her genuinely caring manner, practical and transformational approach, and for providing valuable tools and that allow people to take Key Steps to really… ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’