Quotes from the 2024 Paris Olympics on Mindset, Mental Health & Resilience
The 2024 Summer Olympics kicked off on July 26 with a grandiose ceremony on the Seine River in Paris, and ended with Tom Cruise abseiling into the Stade de France on Sunday night. But somewhere in the fortnight and a bit between these two highly entertaining ceremonies, we couldn’t help but notice that this year’s Olympics were a little different than usual.
Ten years ago, sporting culture was all about toughness–and in many ways still is. Vulnerability can be seen as weakness, and asking for help often is viewed as conceding defeat. This stigma has forced athletes in the past to keep mental health struggles and concerns secret. However, this year’s Paris Olympic Games have not only showcased the pinnacle of physical prowess but have also highlighted the critical importance of mental health.
As the world watched elite athletes push their physical limits, a parallel narrative emerged—one that focused on the mental challenges they faced. These athletes’ candid conversations about mental wellbeing offer valuable lessons not only for sports enthusiasts but also for those of us navigating the pressures of the corporate world.
With over 11,000 athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, comes over 11,000 stories of success, heartbreak, hope and tenacity. As corporate leaders, there's much we can learn from these world-class athletes who openly discuss the challenges they face and the strategies they use to maintain their mental resilience.
Here are eight powerful quotes from some of our favourite Olympians that offer valuable lessons:
- Sunisa Lee, Gymnastics - USA: "It was me proving to myself that I can overcome hard things, and to hopefully inspire others to never let life’s setbacks stop you from going after your dreams.”
Corporate Lesson: Resilience is key to overcoming setbacks. In the workplace, setbacks are inevitable, but how we respond to them defines our success. Encourage a culture where employees are empowered to face challenges head-on and support each other in overcoming obstacles.
Sunisa Lee won gold in the team all-around with Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Hezly Rivera and Jordan Chiles.
- Nina Kennedy, Women's Pole Vault (Athletics) - Australia: “I’ve definitely had some really high highs and some really low lows. I was a really good junior athlete. I broke the world junior record at 17, and then breaking onto that senior stage was really hard- a bit of depression, a bit of anxiety, heaps of physical injuries… I’ve definitely learned my lessons, and I’ve put all the pieces of the puzzle together tonight.”
Corporate Lesson: Career growth is a journey with ups and downs. Support employees through their low points, recognizing that setbacks are a natural part of development. Celebrate their victories and learn from challenges to build resilience.
Nina Kennedy won the gold medal in women's pole vault (athletics).
- Noah Lyles, Track and Field - USA: "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!"
Corporate Lesson: Embrace diversity and inclusion by recognizing that each employee brings unique strengths, regardless of their challenges. Foster an environment where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential, no matter their starting point.
Noah Lyles won gold in the Men's 100m Athletics.
- Arisa Trew, Women's Park (Skateboarding), Australia - “I mean, like, when I'm in the competition, I just pretend that I'm still in warm-up or just skating with my friends for fun. It's easier than thinking that I'm in an actual competition.”
Corporate Lesson: Maintaining perspective is key to managing stress. Encourage employees to approach high-pressure situations with a mindset that reduces anxiety, helping them perform at their best.
Arisa Trew won the gold medal in women's park (skateboarding).
- Simone Biles, Gymnastics - USA: “I think it’s OK to not be OK. And I think I showed a very vulnerable side that most people don’t see, because most of the time, whenever I’m out there, they’re seeing me win gold medals and all this stuff that’s not relatable. So, whenever I really break it down and I am very authentic to them, then they can feel like they can relate, and it’s on a personal level, and then they believe that they can get the help that they deserve.”
Corporate Lesson: Authenticity fosters connection. Leaders who are open about their struggles create a more relatable and supportive work environment. Encourage transparency and vulnerability within your teams to build trust and mutual respect.
Simone Biles won gold in the women’s artistic individual all-around, women’s vault and team all-around with Suni Lee, Jade Carey, Hezly Rivera and Jordan Chiles.
- Matt Wearn, Men's Dinghy (Sailing) - Australia: “Getting pushed back down when you were trying to get back up was very tough at the time. It’s all about small steps forward.”
Corporate Lesson: Progress is incremental. In business, major achievements are often the result of small, consistent efforts. Encourage your team to focus on steady progress rather than being discouraged by setbacks.
Matt Wearn won the gold medal in men's dinghy (sailing).
- Allyson Felix, Track and Field - USA: "I think it really has such an impact to be able to say that it's okay to not be okay. And it's okay to prioritise taking care of yourself. That can exist in the same space as being an elite athlete.”
Corporate Lesson: Wellbeing and high performance are not mutually exclusive. Promote a work culture that values self-care alongside productivity. When employees are encouraged to take care of themselves, they can achieve sustainable success.
Allyson Felix after retiring from track and field athletics.
- Chloe Covell, Women's Park (Skateboarding) - Australia: “I just wanted to keep trying and not give up. It was very hard work to get here ... I just have to come back better and stronger for the next time.”
Corporate Lesson: Persistence pays off. In the corporate world, determination and a willingness to learn from failures are essential for long-term success. Support your team’s perseverance by recognizing their efforts and encouraging continuous improvement.
14-year-old Chloe Covell after reaching the final in women's park (skateboarding) with the fourth-best score.
The Role of Teams & Support Systems
The success stories from the 2024 Olympics also highlight the importance of support systems. Behind every athlete is a team that helps them navigate the pressures of competition. Similarly, in the corporate world, strong support systems—whether through mentorship, teamwork, or mental health resources—are crucial for maintaining employee wellbeing.
Lessons for Everyday Life
The strategies that helped these Olympians maintain their mental health can be applied to daily life. Whether it's practising resilience, maintaining perspective, or prioritising self-care, these lessons are essential for anyone facing challenges in high-pressure environments.
These insights remind us that mental wellbeing is fundamental to achieving greatness, whether in sports or the corporate world. By learning from these athletes, we can create healthier, more supportive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
