The Secret of Olympic Motivation

Prior to his ultimate success on the water, two-time Olympic gold medalist rower Alex Gregory had the drive and skill to compete at the highest level for himself and Great Britain. But he lacked the discipline to work on his weaknesses and break through to become an Olympic champion. 

As good fortune would have it, legendary coach Jurgen Grobler saw something in Gregory and asked him to be an alternate at the 2008 Games in Beijing. It was there Gregory learned the secret of Olympic motivation. But not on the water. 

Alternates practice with the team but sit in reserve. During the competition, they are relegated to watch from the stands as their teammates compete. This can be an excruciating trial of will for those driven to compete and win, but there is a lot a competitor can learn from the bleachers. 

During the final race for the gold, a medal the Great Britain team would win, Gregory sat with a teammate’s family. Parents and sisters of the mate were on fire with their pride and enthusiasm for the team, their brother, and son. 

They stood during the entire race shouting their encouragement and support. As the team crossed the finish line just ahead of the Australian team, the family cheered and clapped and raised their arms in victory. They then hugged and cried together in their joy and pride.

As Alex Gregory watched the family, he became overwhelmed by their emotion and affection for their son and brother. He knew then that whatever it took, he wanted his family to feel those emotions and pride about him. 

Like so many other competitors, performers, and leaders, Gregory found a secret to push through the long hours on the water to work on his weaknesses to go from good to great. Before his experience in Beijing, he wanted to win for himself, his teammates, and his country. But now he found a much-needed added motivation. The desire to compete and win for those we care most about is a game-changer. 

Good people want those they care about to be proud of them. The desire for that pride can sometimes be the push they need to overcome the obstacles preventing them from ultimate success. For Gregory, like so many other Olympians, the secret to motivation was to want his family to experience the thrill of victory with him. 

The best leaders never forget or underestimate the impact forged in the hearts of team members by the pride felt by family, friends, and mentors. It’s why many team members work so hard to achieve great outcomes. Who do you practice, compete, and win for?