Do you have what it takes to become an Olympic champion?
So, you like the idea of having that gold medal round your neck? Want to fly round they world and have thousands of people scream your name? To know beyond doubt that you are the best?
Tokyo 2020 is just four years away, so if you want to have a chance of Olympic glory, now is the time to start. To give you a helping hand (or a kick up the backside) here’s your six step guide to becoming an Olympic champion.
Start young
The sooner you start in your chosen event the better. Most gymnasts are doing backflips in diapers and if you’re in your 30s and aiming to become a top swimmer? Well, basically don’t bother (unless you’re Michael Phelps). But if you’re feeling a bit over the hill, never fear: the oldest Olympian to win a gold medal was Swedish shooter, Oscar Swahn at the grand old age of 72. Which leads me nicely on to my next point.
Choose your sport
Let’s face it, some sports are just not going to work out for you. I mean, there are a lot of people who have trained for years for the 100m sprint, and then Usain Bolt just wanders in and spoils their hopes of glory. And if you’re struggling for cash, you’re unlikely to be able to afford expensive riding lessons and dressage horses. So target the minority sports where there’s less competition. Like shooting. Or curling.
Join a club
You’re going to need to learn fast, and what better way to do it that to draw on the experience of people who’ve been playing your sport for years. Some clubs offer free coaching, which you’re going to need. Plus, it’s always nice to know that there are other people out there who understand your Olympic ambition. Just remember to play the good loser when they beat you – it’s all part of the game.
Cancel your social life (for the next four years)
Becoming an Olympic champion takes dedication, dammit. So you can wave goodbye to those Friday night pub sessions and all-day family barbecues. In fact, you may as well just warn your friends and family now that you won’t be available for weddings, parties, christenings or any other social event for the next few years. Thinking about a nice meal out? Think again. You’re on a strict diet of protein and veg. Mo Farrah ate pasta, grilled chicken and steamed veg twice day whilst training for the Olympics. Get inspired.
Work your backside off
Now I will admit that Lady Luck can play a part in your chances of getting gold. An unexpected injury from your main rival, a favourable sailing wind or a cycling course that suits you could give you that extra edge on the day. But behind every Olympic champion is years of early morning training sessions, exhaustion and pushing through the pain barrier. Still want that gold medal? Sure?
Be prepared to fail
Every champion fails at some point (except perhaps Usain Bolt) so get used to it. In fact you may achieve your dream of getting to the Olympics only to fail in the first round. Take pity on Italian cyclist, Vincenzo Nibali, who had planned his entire year around the 2016 men’s road race only to crash out on the final descent, ending up with a broken collar bone instead of a medal. Gutted.
But as American singer, Aaliyah once crooned, if at first you don’t succeed? Dust yourself off and try again. Because there’s one thing Olympic champions are not. Quitters.
Still psyched to try? Get yourself over to the BBC’s Get Inspired website, and pick your Olympic sport.