Have you ever thought about when you see an athlete in tears on the podium receiving a gold medal at the Olympic Games? We all automatically assume they are tears of joy because they have won. Are they?
You often hear the athletes say they are so overwhelmed by the occasion, and what it means to them to have won a gold medal at the Olympics. Most athletes work very long and hard to be in top condition for the Olympic Games. The spend most of their waking hours thinking about it and seeing themselves walking off with the gold around their necks. The ultimate aim is to peak on the day of your final event, and most have worked out for around 4 or more years for this.
The day comes and they put in the performance of their life, and the Gold is theirs - maybe even a world record.
Are those tears really tears of joy or could they be "what now - is my life over ? I have achieved everything I have been living for, what is left ?"
I think there are a lot of us who will never really know what the emotions are on the podium, unless we have been there. Sadly, I will never know. The only time in my life when I might have had a chance was when I was in my teens, swimming. I was good, and swam with natural talent but was just too lazy to train properly. I held the record for the men's mile when I was only 16 - the fastest in the country.
I believe all athletes should be taught the art of goal setting so that they can achieve and have more to look forward to when their sporting careers come to an end. I honestly think that is why so many boxers make comebacks in their 40’s - they have nothing more to live for and feel boxing is the only thing they can really do.
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