Be More. Be Olympic

Here I am on the day of the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. This is my 9th Games with Team Canada. What a privileged it has been and continues to be able to do what I do. For this I am very grateful. These Games we ask ourselves, what does it mean to Be Olympic. Is it a brand, a mindset, a way of life, a standard of excellence, a set of values and behaviours, a movement, a platform, a sporting event, a celebration of cultures? Well, its probably not one of these things; but all of them all.

But the one thing that it is not, is a final destination / a medal / a finish line; because like any journey in life – whether it is going to the OG, or anything else, it is the process of getting there that is the important bit. We have come here with the attitude to win. We know it's possible to be among the best countries, if not the top country if everything falls into place. In sport you can only control your performance and your choices, but not necessarily your final result, so this process is all about making winning more likely.

I often think of the main takeaway messages from astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield when he addressed the Olympic team prior to the Rio Olympic Games. Being well prepared minimizes fear and gives you confidence. Its about assessing the risks, while visualizing failings, not defeat; because being prepared and taking risks are both necessary when exploring beyond the limits of your potential. On both counts team Canada is feeling ready.

Nothing brings this point home more than this quote from Jeremy Wotherspoon "… the Olympic goal dwarfs the sometimes imperceptible day-to-day improvements that are necessary to get there.”

So being “more” to me is about making the day to day improvements, while growing and learning Every. Single. Day. It’s what you are focusing on in the moment that counts; and it's about doing what others may not be prepared to do to get there. Success is simply the consequence of your actions behaviors and choices while maintaining your perspective on the big picture.

And when you combine " more" with a pursuit like winning an Olympic gold medal or any other worthwhile goal in life that has the ability to inspire and transform .. that to me is what it means to Be Olympic.