LESSONS LEARNT
GLYNIS NUNN REVEALS: P57
SPORT teaches us many things, not only in sport but in life.
For me, the first was that “winning isn’t everything, it is the only thing!’’.
My parents gave me a Snoopy mug when I was 10 and it had that saying written on it.
To me, winning was important, it was everything. I loved to compete and it was certainly great to win.
When I didn’t win, I took lessons away from that competition. Now, as a parent and coach it is important that athletes learn to win and lose. There are lessons in all we do.
I was a little kid from a country town like many others who dreamt big. Knowing that only a few make it to the very top makes it more important to listen to your coach and others, to learn what works best for you as a developing athlete.
The important lessons I have learnt are listed here:
■ It is OK to make mistakes ■ Know that you are either a leader or a follower (it is OK to be either a captain or strong team player)
■ Control your emotions ■ Trust yourself, your coach and people in your ‘bubble’ ■ Set and achieve goals
■ Do the basics well
■ Win and lose with class and dignity
■ Know your strengths and weaknesses
■ Manage your time well ■ Focus on what you can control
■ Listen to everyone and then work out what works best for you – be respectful
■ Most of all, have fun
If there was one thing that sport, and particularly the Olympics, taught me, it was that everyone around me needed to encourage my hopes and dreams.
When working with junior athletes as part of our Academy, we encourage them to think outside the square.
How to approach training mentally and physically. Know that the path they tread affects others – teammates, family, coaches, networks of people around team and individuals.
Even at an older age now, I revisit my personal bucket list and recently ticked another thing off when I donated blood. I can only hope that young athletes learn early some of the lessons from role models.