The Struggle Is Real…..

The Olympics are rolling around again and I have to admit that this time of year is very difficult for me.  And I’m sure it difficult for others too. So here’s what I have for today……

To all the Olympians and most specifically the US Olympians who will enter into the Olympian Alumni Association on a National and World Level I say welcome, congratulations and good luck. And to those who don’t believe in luck, well, you’ve NEVER watched an Olympics because LUCK COUNTS TOO.

The Olympian's Success Paradox
  Godspeed!

To my Olympian brothers and sisters who will once again relive “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat”, I hope you find comfort in knowing that there was a time when you were one of the “baddest” people on the planet in your sport. Sometimes that’s not enough but….. sometimes that’s all you got and that’s all you get. :-/

I pray that this Olympics is a good one for you.

Bless you.

And then……To my Olympic hopefuls that trained, bled, scratched, clawed and came up just a bit short, I would like to say that I love you, I appreciate you and in 2000, I was you. Timing is everything and what is for you is for you. And at times its difficult to accept that what you want in life the most, is NOT for you. It’s not the only time in life where we will experience this and probably not the last. The pain NEVER goes away. The hurt never diminishes and the linking of your person to your career is hard to disconnect, as that was the connection for which you existed. During this Olympic season I pray you have the utmost comfort in knowing that trying to be the best and not achieving it is better than not trying at all. And the lessons which we learned were priceless. I hope this year is easier to handle than the other 4 and the 4 before them.

And lastly…..To those of you who watch the Olympics and offer commentary on them. I ask that you please be aware and be kind. There are many of us who are still healing…. years later.

Thank you.

Dr. Rhadi Ferguson
2004 Olympian
2000 Olympic Hopeful
4-Time National Judo Champion
Author of The Olympian’s Success Paradox