As a self-proclaimed “Olympaholic”, I am always so excited when the Olympics are about to start. I love it all – every sport, every story, every medal. More importantly, I love hearing the stories on the challenges they’ve faced, any setbacks and the successes that led them to reach the pinnacle of their career in sport. Within every story there are great leadership lessons we can each use to be our best too.
Learning from Tough Situations
One such story was featured in The Players Tribune on February 3, 2026. It was called “Dear Canada” and written by Connor McDavid, captain of the Edmonton Oilers hockey team and member of the men’s hockey team for Canada. McDavid reflects on his journey as a team leader, his role on a team that has failed to win the Stanley Cup in two consecutive years, reaching his first Olympics and his own determination to win.
One statement offers us a great perspective on leadership: “Now, almost 10 years later, I think about that kid a lot, and how every challenge, every tough night, was a chance to be better than the day before.”
Each of us, even those with exceptional talent, face tough times and challenges. It is these situations we face along our journey that helps create who we are. They reflect the motivation and drive we exhibit and the accomplishments we achieve.
When we use our ups and downs as lessons, we can be better people, and leaders, because of what they taught us — and they give us a chance to be better than the day before.
When Adversity Rears its Ugly Head
Another athlete, U.S. alpine skier, Lindsey Vonn had a goal of returning to the Olympics at the age of 41. She was well positioned to make this goal a reality when an unfortunate fall in a training run in Switzerland resulted in a ruptured ACL in her left knee. For most this would be a season-ending injury. However, Vonn is not most athletes.
In press interviews after her fall, Vonn said `“I know what my chances were before the crash and I know my chances aren’t the same as it stands today. “But I know there’s still a chance, and as long as there’s a chance, I will try.”`
I cannot imagine what it would be like to try and sky with a damaged ACL I do know what it feels like to push forward with a sense of determination and a vision and purpose, despite sub-optimal odds. It takes grit, determination, resilience and an inner strength that requires you to do your best no matter what.
Life’s Realities Get in the Way
I am sure you have set a goal for yourself and then something happens. Maybe family requires you to set aside your goal to be more present. Or, maybe your boss has cancelled that project you were leading, only to end your chance for a promotion. In my situation, a medical sabbatical interfered with my goals – delaying them for 8 years.
Now, consider you’re an athlete who has trained and competed for years when your partner becomes injured while in a practice. Your chances of competing at your Olympic debut is placed into question less than 1 week before the Games begin. This is the situation facing Canadian pairs ice skaters, Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps. In this situation, Stellato-Dudek’s injury may quash Deshamps goal of competing as an Olympian, while potentially ending her goal of returning to the Olympics at the age of 42.
Heartbreaking stories like this are all too common in sports but they happen outside of the headlines. If you’ve given a goal everything you have over many years only to have it quashed by another person or a life event, it can feel devastating. What we can learn from athletes is you experience the disappointment then reset to step forward once again. Now it’s time to ask yourself some key questions.
- Do you have the same goal and vision?
- What needs to be adjusted, if anything?
- How will you undertake your new plan?
- Are the same team members ready and available to make it happen?
- Why is this still important to me (reaffirming your purpose)?
My Takeaway
Regardless of whether you are an athlete, business owner or leader in an organization, your journey may be like a rollercoaster at times. We all know life can get in the way, however when you have clarity, confidence, and commitment all built on a strong purpose you can accomplish your goals. However no one gets there alone.
I think what I take away from every heartbreaking and inspiring story from the Olympics is how family, friends, coaches, teammates and others play such an incredibly important part in making it all happen.
As a Coach & mentor, I love it when my clients bring goals and transformation to reality. Knowing I had one small part offers me personal and professional gratitude and happiness.
