Athleta’s Post

At 16, Stef Reid MBE PLY's world turned upside down in a boating accident. She faced a critical choice: to yield or to fight. Her decision? To fight with relentless spirit. Post-accident, her athletic aspirations seemed distant. She wanted to be Rugby superstar. That dream was over. Yet, Stef chose not to be limited by her new reality. She reimagined her future, setting her sights on the Paralympics. Her journey was arduous, marked by rigorous training and mental resilience. Stef didn't just adjust; she excelled, redefining her own limits. On the Paralympic stage, she excelled. She is a 5X world record holder. 3X Paralympic medallist. And a world champion. Her story is not just about personal triumph; it's a narrative of human potential. Stef's journey teaches us a vital lesson: adversity can be a catalyst for growth and redefinition. It's not about being better than others; it's about being your best self in the face of challenges. Embrace your struggles as opportunities to grow and redefine your own path. Stef is currently Vice President of UK Athletics, a keynote speaker, commentator and peak performance coach. She has had great support over the years by the brilliant International Paralympic Committee and UK Sport Learn more about Stef's inspiring journey on HOW I BECAME. Link in comments. #HOWIBECAME #StefReid #Paralympics #PersonalGrowth #Resilience

What a legend! In competitive swimming, there are not many harder events than the 200m butterfly. Our local hero Jess Schipper was world record holder and won several gold medals at the #Olympic Games and the World Championships between 2004 and 2009. https://lnkd.in/g6TdETd4 A story of huge #dedication, #perseverance, and #courage Today Jess helped fix my son's #swimmers at the #Queensland State Championships. Wardrobe malfunction! I'm so grateful to Jess. A story of #humility, #care, and #kindness. I don't normally post much, but felt compelled by a touch of Jess's kindness and a reflection of how the people around us make us feel. With a world full of turmoil and change, we need more people to demonstrate these characteristics. Next year will bring much more change than previous years. We need to look after the people in our circles. 1. #Care and kindness for others, particularly people who may not be as fortunate or maybe passing through rough waters. 2. #Courage to speak up for human rights. 3. #Humility to get your hands dirty to make the good things happen. 4. #Dedication and #perseverance to continue doing the small things even when times get tough. Pass on the love, laughter, and care. It's contagious!! Leadership is everyone's responsibility. #gratitude #speedo #leadership

What fantastic advice for sport, business and life!

In words and body language, Jemima Montag reflects on how immense the Olympic dream is to scale. She manages mental and emotional challenges with integrity and grace. #protips #lifework #competition #training #workflow

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Do watch this inspiring video of 1:40 mins. What stuck with me was the nuance of want vs need in her olympics journey. Want is a demand and you are willing to show up for it. It's a spirit of abundance. Your self-worth is far beyond it coming fulfilled it or not. You are willing to win it all and also lose it all- very determined and courageous spirit. Need - yes you want it yet you smell of desperation here. You are not willing to lose it all. It's tied to your self-worth. Somewhere the need is so high, that you forget the joy of your sport. Efforts maybe equal yet it comes from a space of fear and lack of true courage. You are trembling to make it happen and that's where you lose it.

Great attitude. What sport can teach you...

FOR YOUR CONTEMPLATION On desires, goals, dreams and their outcomes: An inspiring, wise voice from an Australian Olympic medallist. It captures a key distinction in discerning one's desires. Not all athletes, coaches and leaders understand this lesson. Many are overcome by driveness, leaving them off balance and ultimately unhealthy, unhappy. It is imperative to learn about "hosting" and holding desires for health and well-being. Put another way, she instructs that you can have desires, but don't let the desires have (consume, dominate, addict) you. Many are consumed by desire. One's with is tied to their outcome. This is an unconscious error and a case of mistaken identity. Study, learn, practice self knowledge - what it means to be fully human - to know how to desire consciously. Peter Bromley Confidant . . . . #desire #goal #selfworth #pride #selfknowledge #leadership #eliteathlete #highperformance #humanperformance #success #humility #olympics #paris2024 #mastersathlete

Wondering who to root for at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics? My New Favorite Olympian and My New Favorite Paralympian will immerse you in the stories of seven Team USA athletes outside their sport. The first episode will be released June 12.

What can others learn from Paralympian Curtis McGrath’s story of overcoming adversity? How can the Paralympics boost conversations — and action — around inclusion and diversity? Here are my thoughts. #LinkedInNewsAustralia Curtis McGrath's story is a powerful example of resilience, determination, and the ability to transform adversity into a source of strength. There are several key lessons that others can learn from his journey: McGrath's ability to recover from a life-altering injury and redirect his life towards a new goal is a testament to the power of #resilience. This demonstrates that adversity, while challenging, can be a catalyst for personal growth and new opportunities. For others facing difficulties, it’s a reminder that setbacks don’t define your future—how you respond to them does. McGrath highlights the importance of setting #goals that #challenge you. By setting ambitious targets, you push your boundaries and often #achieve more than you initially thought possible. This is crucial for anyone looking to overcome challenges—having clear, motivating goals gives you something to strive towards, even in the face of adversity. McGrath's journey also emphasizes the importance of #teamwork and the #support of others. Whether in sports or life, having a strong support system can provide the encouragement and resources needed to overcome tough situations. McGrath used sport as a way to heal both physically and mentally. Finding a #purpose or a passion can be a powerful way to channel energy positively and foster recovery. For others, this suggests that engaging in activities that bring fulfillment can aid in overcoming personal challenges. Overcoming Adversity? I tend to break down large, daunting challenges into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate each small victory, which builds momentum. I am not afraid to lean on others—whether friends, family, or colleagues. Their support can provide strength when yours is waning. I accept that life may not return to what it was before adversity, and instead focus on what you can control and improve in the new situation. The #Paralympics have the power to significantly boost conversations around #inclusion and #diversity. They showcase the incredible abilities and achievements of athletes with disabilities, challenging societal perceptions and biases. This visibility can lead to greater awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and in turn, inspire more inclusive practices in various spheres of life, including the workplace. By highlighting similar stories , the Paralympics can inspire broader societal change, encouraging businesses, communities, and individuals to prioritize inclusivity, create accessible environments, and celebrate diversity. These discussions can translate into tangible actions, such as better representation in media, improved accessibility standards, and inclusive policies in workplaces.