The goal of every athlete who competes in the Olympic games is a place on the podium, hopefully a place on the top step. Every athlete who competes in the Olympic games works hard, some have more talent than others. It has been my experience over the years that those who stand on the podium are there because they choose to be there. Michael Phelps, arguably the greatest Olympian of all time acknowledged that there were days when he glided into the wall at practices in the past four years. “And that came out at the moment I needed it the most,” Phelps said, adding: “I’m not going to sit and make excuses. Those lazy finishes were decisions I made.” It cost him another Gold in the 200 Meter Butterfly. It was his choice. Athletes make conscious choices to do the little things, to make the sacrifices, to listen to their coaches and to being comfortable with always being uncomfortable. The podium is lofty territory. Getting there is not for the faint of heart and dilettantes. Many are called and few choose. Make the choice to be great everyday in training and give yourself a chance to stand on the podium.
