Fueling the Fire Within: Raising the Olympian Sammy Sullivan

As a father of an Olympian, I've learned that raising an exceptional athlete isn't about implementing a strict regimen or pushing relentlessly. Instead, it's about creating an environment where dreams can flourish, and potential can be realized. Our daughter, Samantha aka “Sammy Sullivan”, now stands as an Army World Class Athlete Program member, the 2019 Prusmack Award recipient, a 3-time All-American, a 2020 Graduate of the United States Military Academy, an active-duty U.S. Army Captain, and a member of the 2024 Team USA Women's Sevens Rugby Team. Her journey to the Olympics is a testament not just to her incredible drive and talent, but also to the power of unwavering family support and leading by example.

From an early age, Samantha displayed a remarkable drive and work ethic. My wife and I recognized this innate quality and made sure to provide her with every opportunity to pursue her passions. Whether it was sports, academics, musical theater (yes musical theater leads in high school) or personal growth, we encouraged her to give her all in whatever she chose to undertake.

What set Samantha apart wasn't just her natural talent, but her relentless pursuit of excellence. She never settled for mediocrity, constantly pushing herself to improve and prove her worth to herself, her teammates, coaches, teachers, and family. This self-motivation was the true catalyst for her success, evident in her rugby achievements and her path to the Olympics.

Our household was built on a foundation of support and honest communication. While encouragement was abundant, there was also a willingness to provide constructive criticism when necessary. This balanced approach helped Samantha develop resilience and a realistic understanding of her strengths and areas for improvement.

I believe one of the most powerful influences on Samantha's journey was the example set by her Mom and me. As one of North Carolina’s best High School Math Teachers and myself a successful Green Beret Colonel. We routinely set goals for ourselves whether it be in producing the highest standardized math scores in the state or completing multiple ultramarathons. By sharing our own dreams and successes, we planted seeds of ambition in all three of our children, showing them that with dedication and hard work, dreams could become reality.

Our family's commitment to health and fitness played a crucial role in Samantha's development. I remember fondly when Samantha ran her first 5K with me in Honolulu, Hawaii, when she was just 7 years old. As she grew older, our family's involvement with Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) deepened. Samantha ran with a flag alongside me during a Memorial Day run in the early days of RWB and proudly wore the RWB "Eagle" for multiple Turkey Trots throughout her middle school and high school years.

These shared experiences not only strengthened our bond as a family but also instilled in Samantha the values of community, perseverance, and the importance of physical health. They were formative moments that contributed to shaping the dedicated athlete and Army officer she is today.

As we prepare to travel to Paris to cheer Samantha on from the stands, we're filled with a mix of emotions. We have no idea how the Olympics will turn out, but we know that for Samantha and her team - one of the best in the world - merely competing is not enough. They're there to give it their all, and we couldn't be prouder.

Looking back, I realize that our role wasn't to create an Olympian, but to provide the fertile ground where Samantha's natural talents and fierce determination could flourish. We gave her the opportunities and the encouragement to believe in herself and what she could provide to her team. The rest was all her.

To parents everywhere, our family's story offers a valuable lesson: the key to nurturing a child's potential lies not in pushing them towards a specific goal, but in creating an environment where they feel empowered to chase their own dreams. By leading by example, offering support, providing opportunities to struggle and believing in their capabilities, we can help our children discover the greatness that lies within them – whether that leads to an Olympic podium or any other personal summit they choose to climb.

As we eagerly await the start of the Olympics, we're filled with gratitude for this incredible journey. Whatever the outcome, we know that Samantha's best days are still ahead, and we'll be there cheering her on every step of the way.

美国军队 United States Military Academy at West Point Team Red, White & Blue