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.’
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Than 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.’
I help leaders step into their executive presence and lead their teams with integrity. I help disconnected teams to find their flow again. Kintsugi Queen ?-Leadership and team transformation specialist
2 个月Beautiful examples thank you Dr Sharon King Gabrielides
Award-winning speaker, event host, planner | Leading expert in self-leadership, change and transformation | Transformational Mindset & Relationship Coach | Powerful Energy Healer | Leading Mind-Body-Soul retreats in Bali
3 个月Greta article and fabulous observations Dr Sharon King Gabrielides
Communicator | Facilitator | Change Manager
3 个月LOVED to see all our SA athletes in action.. but I want to give a shout-out to Bhutan's Kinzang Lhamo, who finished the hilly and hot course of the marathon in three hours, 52 minutes and 59 seconds. She had a really rough race, but pushed through. In one interview, she said 'my country did not send me to start the marathon - they sent me to complete it.'
I assist businesses in unlocking value by reinventing the Employee Experience through the 4-EX Formula.
3 个月I love all the examples you gave but I'm a #southafrica, so Tatjana gets my vote
Admin Manager and PA to Dr Sharon
3 个月All very inspirational in their won rights. A lovely sum up at the end of an amazing Olympic programme. You work with many leaders that have just as much drive and ambition as these wonderful athletes. What would you say are the qualities needed to have this type of drive to get you to a gold medal... or keep you trying to achieve it?