What 7 Olympians taught us this year that everyone needs to hear
Noah Lyles: The Power of Self-Worth
If you haven’t heard of Noah Lyles, let me introduce you to someone who’s not just breaking records on the track but also smashing stereotypes and reminding us all about the power of self-worth. Noah is a track and field Olympian who’s as much known for his vibrant personality and showmanship as he is for his speed. He’s the guy who’ll flash a smile, interact with the crowd, and point to the sky in a gesture that screams confidence and joy. Watching Noah in the run-up to the Olympics and during the games was like witnessing a beacon of light for everyone who’s ever felt they weren’t good enough. He’s a living testament to the power of believing in yourself and owning your narrative, no matter what the world says.
Noah’s story isn’t just about winning medals; it’s about winning at life. He’s faced more than his share of challenges—think asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. And yet, here he is, not just surviving but thriving. He’s vocal about the fact that what you have doesn’t define what you can become.
In his own words: “I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You?”
Noah isn’t just running races; he’s running a masterclass on self-worth. He’s telling us that we are not our thoughts, not our feelings, not our disorders. We are who we choose to become. And that choice? That’s where our true power lies.
“I am not my thoughts, I am not my feelings, I am not my disorders, I am me. I am responsible for healing and what I hold, but my worth is based on who I am and who I choose to become - not the passengers that join me for the ride.”
Sha’Carri Richardson: Rewriting the Rules
Sha’Carri Richardson is another name that’s become synonymous with resilience and defying the odds. Known for her blazing speed and even bolder style, Sha’Carri’s story is one of triumph, struggle, and relentless perseverance. She’s the sprinter with the long, flowing hair, the tattoos, and the unapologetic attitude that’s as fast as her feet. But beyond the aesthetics, Sha’Carri represents something much deeper—she’s rewriting the rules of what it means to be an athlete, a woman, and a Black woman in a world that’s quick to judge.
When Sha’Carri was disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics due to a positive marijuana test, the world watched as she handled the situation with a grace that defied her age. She didn’t make excuses; she owned her mistake and moved forward. And move forward she did, with a fire in her heart and a determination to not let one setback define her career.
Sha’Carri’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks are just setups for comebacks. She’s not just running to win races; she’s running to reclaim her narrative, to show the world that you can fall and rise again, stronger, faster, and more determined than ever. She’s teaching us all that the rules might be there, but sometimes, you’ve got to rewrite them.
Emily Campbell: The Strength in Vulnerability
Emily Campbell is another powerhouse who’s showing the world that strength and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive. The British weightlifter made history at the Tokyo Olympics by becoming the first British woman to win a medal in weightlifting—silver in the +87kg category. But her journey to the podium is about much more than just physical strength; it’s about mental resilience and the courage to embrace vulnerability.
Emily has been open about the challenges she faced in a sport that’s traditionally been dominated by men. She’s faced criticism, doubt, and the pressure to conform to certain ideals. But instead of letting that get to her, Emily has used it as fuel. She’s shown that there is no one size fits all for athleticism.
Her message is clear: don’t let anyone try to hold you back because you don’t fit their arbitrary standard. You get to decide that. And in a world that’s constantly trying to put us in boxes, that’s a message we all need to hear.
Rebeca Andrade: The Embodiment of Resilience
Rebeca Andrade’s journey is one of sheer willpower and unbreakable spirit. Growing up as one of eight children to a single mother in Brazil, Rebeca’s path to gymnastics greatness was anything but easy. Picture this: a young girl walking two hours to her nearest gym every single day, driven by a dream and a love for the sport that couldn’t be crushed, even by the harshest of circumstances.
Rebeca’s story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. She’s torn her ACL not once, not twice, but three separate times. Each time, she’s fought her way back, refusing to let injury define her. And then, in 2021, she made history at the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Brazilian woman to win a gold medal in gymnastics. Rebeca’s determination is a powerful reminder that no matter how many times life knocks you down, you have the innate ability to get back up and win in your own goals.
Simone Biles: The Courage to Listen to Your Body
Simone Biles has long been a name synonymous with gymnastics greatness, but in 2021, she showed the world that true greatness isn’t just about winning medals; it’s about knowing when to step back and take care of yourself. Simone’s experience with “the twisties”—a terrifying mental block that causes a disconnect between the mind and body making them feel “lost in the air”—was a wake-up call for all of us about the importance of mental health.
Simone’s decision to prioritize her well-being over the expectations of the world was nothing short of revolutionary. It was a reminder that we can’t ignore our emotions and hope they’ll go away. Unresolved issues have a way of manifesting in very real, and sometimes dangerous, ways. Simone taught us all that carving out the space to heal isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the path of champions.
Katie Ledecky: Running Your Own Race
Katie Ledecky is the epitome of what it means to stay in your lane—literally and figuratively. She just became the most decorated U.S. woman Olympian by doing what she does best: beating her own records. Katie’s focus isn’t on what others are doing; it’s on being better than she was yesterday. And in a world that’s constantly comparing us to others, Katie’s message is a breath of fresh air.
Her journey reminds us that the only real competition is with ourselves. Comparing our progress, timelines, and challenges to others isn’t just distracting; it’s missing the point. When we cut out the noise and focus on our own lives, that’s when the magic happens.
Ilona Maher: Smashing the Glass Ceiling
Ilona Maher is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the rugby field. Her attendance at the Paris Olympics catapulted her into the mainstream, but those in the know have long recognized Ilona as a trailblazer. She’s out here smashing stereotypes, challenging archaic fitness ideals, and becoming a feminist icon in the process.
Ilona’s message is simple but powerful: you can be both strong and feminine, sensitive and tough. She’s a living example of the dialectics that make us who we are, refusing to be put in a box and inspiring others to do the same.
“Don’t let anybody try to define or dictate how you feel about yourself. You get to decide that.”
In a world that’s constantly telling us what we can’t do, these athletes are out here showing us exactly what’s possible. They’re not just champions in their sports; they’re champions in life, teaching us all the value of resilience, self-worth, and running our own race. Let’s take a page out of their books and remember: the power to define our stories lies within us.