LEARNABILITY 23 August

Hello and welcome to my summer holiday newsletter, I hope you're having a good one.

The spectacular Paris Olympics are now history.

To celebrate them, this month I'd like to share 3 sporting stories that provide great inspiration for anyone struggling to learn and grow.

?? Age Is Not A Boundary

Khadijah Diggs

What do you think it's too late for you to start doing?

Khadijah Diggs is amazing.

She's a triathlete who has faced several challenges, particularly due to her wearing a hijab (yes, she's Muslim) and full-body race kit. She encountered resistance from race directors and officials, with accusations of cheating and threats of disqualification due to her attire, which was initially not allowed in the sport. Additionally, competing during Ramadan posed challenges, as it required managing fasting with intense training and competitions. For anyone, that would be an ordeal, but Khadijah is also a mother of 10 kids. Yes, that's right. She didn't do her first triathlon until she was 40 years old, back in 2012. She even did it on a fixed-gear bike she had only bought the week before!

Since then, she has entered more than 40 events and successfully completed all but one of them.? Khadijah is currently ranked in the top 5% of her age group by Ironman Triathlon. She also the first African American woman to represent Team USA in Long Course Triathlon and the first Muslim to represent Team USA in any multisport event.

Despite these hurdles, Diggs has been a trailblazer for inclusivity in triathlon, advocating for more inclusive rules and inspiring other Muslim women to participate in the sport

Life is not about coming first. It's about fulfilling your potential, doing what you love, and enjoying the ride however old you are.

So the next time you think it's too late for you to start doing something, think of Khadijah.

?? Meaningful Actions

Yusra Mardini

What's the last meaningful thing you did?

Born in Syria in 1998, Yusra Mardini was a competitive swimmer from a young age, representing her country at international events. However, her life took a drastic turn when the Syrian civil war broke out, forcing her and her family to flee their homeland in search of safety.

In 2015, Yusra, along with her sister Sara and a group of other refugees, embarked on a dangerous journey across the Aegean Sea from Turkey to Greece. When the engine of their overcrowded dinghy failed, the Yusra, her sister and two other swimmers jumped into the water and pushed the boat to safety over a grueling three-and-a-half-hour swim. This courageous act saved the lives of everyone on board and marked the beginning of Yusra’s journey to international recognition.

After settling in Germany, Yusra resumed her swimming training and soon became part of the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Although she did not advance to the finals, her participation symbolized a victory over the immense odds she had faced.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Yusra was appointed as the youngest-ever Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in 2017. In this role, she has been a vocal advocate for refugees worldwide, using her platform to raise awareness and support for those displaced by conflict.

Yusra’s extraordinary life story has inspired countless individuals around the world and has even been adapted into a film "The Swimmers," released on Netflix in 2022. Her journey from a war-torn country to the Olympic Games and her ongoing work with refugees continue to inspire and bring hope to millions.

Yusra Mardini’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the impact one person can have on the world.

?? Mental Health

Simone Biles

What is more important for you - success or health?

Most people are aware of the success of Simone Biles, even if they don't know what she had to go through to achieve it. Her mother’s struggles with substance abuse led to Simone and her siblings being placed in foster care. Fortunately, she was adopted by her grandparents, who provided the stability and support that allowed her to thrive. It was at the age of six that Simone discovered gymnastics, and her natural talent quickly became apparent.

Over the years, Simone Biles has become the most decorated gymnast in history, amassing an astonishing 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals. Her achievements in the sport are unparalleled, and she is widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.

However, Biles’ impact extends beyond her athletic accomplishments. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she made headlines not just for her performances but also for her decision to prioritise her mental health, withdrawing from several events to focus on her well-being. This bold move sparked a global conversation about the importance of mental health, particularly for elite athletes, and positioned Biles as a leading advocate for mental health awareness.

There is no point in doing what you do if it's going to leave you a nervous wreck.

So before you push yourself one step too far, think of Simone Biles and ask yourself if it's worth it.

What I'm Doing At The Moment

This month, I'm enjoying the lovely Mediterranean weather and not overexerting myself. So far, so good ????

If you're interested in trying out a pilot accelerated-development program in your company, or if you would like me to talk about the importance of Learnability at your next event, please get in touch now. I'd love to learn more about the challenges you're facing and how I can help.