Learnings from a sporting hero

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to meet - virtually - one of my sporting hero’s. A woman who achieved something that no other British woman has. She worked hard, focused and achieved amazing success on the world stage. I was given this opportunity by the amazing Workplace Insights, a progressive and insightful workplace magazine, web site (https://workplaceinsight.net/) and podcast.

Sally Gunnell won a Gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics at a time when we only won five golds throughout the whole Olympics. She is the only British female athlete to have won Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles and the first 400m hurdler in history to win the Olympic and World titles and break the world the record. The latter two were apparently done with a bad cold.

This woman knows a thing or two about facing adversity, about digging deep and staying focused. I must admit, I was a bit star struck.

What a privilege it was to talk about all things Menopause with her and to hear that some days even a woman with her skills has to say I can’t do it all today, to say that her symptoms impact her life in ways she had not expected.

We as women need to learn that we all have limits and they will fluctuate and vary each day. The Menopause and life in general can be taxing to say the least. It is OK to take a break or ask for support. It is important during these times to cut yourself some slack and say “I need to take a minute” or to give yourself something else to think about or go to a different part of the home while you let your symptoms calm or lessen.

We are all human and need to take a deep breath occasionally and now it is more important than ever. Recognise your limits and stop pushing. There is only one of you and you are doing a damn fine job. Now go and put the kettle on and breathe.