Olympians and Paralympians ... a thought for the nearly folk.
Its Day 1 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and I am in position to support the riders at km 42 of the Men’s Road Race, the first cycling event.?The race is about to start and so I am here about 90mins before the riders arrive and - in this calm before the storm - my thoughts are with those riders that didn’t actually make the team for these Olympic and Paralympic Games. Athletes who have invested years of their lives chasing their dreams only to find that they have not been selected and are now at home, maybe watching on tv.?They probably have mixed emotions, hopefully they understand the process of selection and think that those selected are worthy Olympians and Paralympians, however many will also feel hard done by, that they were good enough, that they would have delivered the race of their lives, the race they had been dreaming about for so long, a race good enough to win an elusive Olympic or Paralympic medal.
From a my perspective as Performance Director at British Cycling, responsible for the selection panel who nominate of athletes to Team GB and Paralympics GB, it is a bitter sweet moment when you know you are going to make some riders very happy while at the same time leaving others broken hearted.?I often worry about how we communicate the news, which in todays world of instant messaging is almost impossible to deliver to the satisfaction of everyone concerned.?This time, we decided to deliver the news to all at the same time via email, mainly due to the number of athletes concerned. ?We informed the coaches and asked them to liaise directly with the riders more personally. It was efficient and meant the the riders were speaking directly to those they were closest to, but it still left me feeling I should have called each rider individually – one to reconsider in the debrief.
For many it will take months or even years to reconcile the decision.?I know of friends who frankly are still not over such situations 30 years later and still talk about what might have been.?Recently I have been impressed by how Alex Dowsett has tried to consider his emotions.?The good news is that he recorded thoughts on YouTube for others to see.?I wonder how many verbalise their thoughts and emotions as a first start to recovery.
领英推荐
Those selected who are in disciplines that are highly contested recognise the responsibility they have to deliver a truly inspirational performance not only for themselves but to ensure they justify their selection and the feeling that they have to do so as much for those who missed out as for themselves.?
Well, for now it is time for those selected – the Games are on – its Day 1, so I hope you enjoy the battles, the blood, sweat and tears that will pass before the medals are awarded to the strongest athletes of the day here in Tokyo.
Strategic Lead, Talent & Performance, Sport England
3 年Never an easy scenario and I know that the decision makers also bear a heavy burden, particularly where margins are tight. I am sure the athletes welcome your candour and honesty about it all. Good luck for the remainder, got everything crossed for the team.
Lane 5
3 年Well said Stephen I doubt if there is a 100% a good way, certainly not an easy way. A global pandemic also doesn’t help. The fact that you have written this shows you care which will mean a lot. Ultimately it’s about how everyone moves forward and how you help their ongoing journey remains positive.
The first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world in both directions. World Record Holder / Motivational Speaker / Author and Ocean Advocate / Chair of the World Sailing Trust
3 年How both good news and bad news is delivered makes a difference in how it is received. Communication is so important and this is refreshing to hear the consideration given by the bearers of the news and the awareness of the impact it has on others.
Head of Performance Development at Aquatics GB
3 年Well said Sparky, honest & insightful as ever. All the best out there ??????
..
3 年It’s nice to read some honesty about the selection and communication process. In my opinion it’s not either or, but both. An email provides equality; communicating at the same time for all involved (selected or not). However, the phone call is just as important, its where your true nature comes through and you show care and compassion for all involved, especially those hearing bad news. A phone call asking how your handling the news is being empathetic and respectful to the strong feeling of disappointment you may feel as an athlete. Then also from a business sense, it’s an opportunity to get direct feedback on a process we all want to improve. All the best in Tokyo!