This summer marks the return of the Summer Olympics, a spectacular event that comes around every four years, where elite athletes from around the world showcase their prowess in sports that demand skill, intelligence, speed, and strength. Each Olympian arrives with one goal in mind: reaching their peak performance and, ideally, standing on a podium to claim a medal. As we watch the competition from around the world, one can’t help but notice the recurring theme: gratitude. Many athletes express appreciation for the opportunity to compete at such a prestigious event, but this year, the theme of gratitude and determination feels different because it brought to mind a pivotal moment from the 2023 U.S. Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Two years after experiencing the disappointment of having her national title revoked at the Olympic Trials in 2021, sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson openly acknowledged that she had not been fully prepared for that moment. However, during an interview after her redemptive winning performance at the U.S. Championships, Richardson confidently declared that she was now mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared. Rather than proclaiming a return, she said something more profound: "I'm not back, I'm better."
Throughout this year's Olympics, this statement has played over and over again in my mind and has not only been the story of Sha’Carri Richardson but also of gymnast Simone Biles. In Tokyo 2021, Biles demonstrated incredible resilience by prioritizing her mental and physical well-being and withdrawing from certain events. As viewers, you saw a poise, a calm demeanor, and exceptional performance that highlighted her resilience, culminating in an impressive four medals.
As the new school year begins for our Visionaries and Champions, we hope that the efforts we put in last year and over the summer will inspire the girls to return to school not only better than they were last year or better than they were the day before. Our goal is for them to learn from each day and continuously improve.
During our first 318 SPORTS Champions Academy this summer, one of the leadership development activities the Champions participated in was "The 5 Whys of Balance." This exercise aimed to help them understand the importance of knowing their values and finding balance so they keep sight of what matters most. Ms. Marie guided them through this activity by first asking, “What is something you value?” and then using a series of "why" questions to uncover the root of each Champion's value system. By the end, most of the Champions identified core values rooted in a deep care for their community, faith, and a desire for mental, physical, and emotional wellness.
Watching Sha’Carri Richardson win the silver medal* in the 100m at the Paris Olympics was a powerful reminder that she has indeed become better, while her greatness never left. Her name remained central in track conversations, and she made a promise to herself to improve.
Each of our Visionaries and Champions has the choice to be better, while we understand they were born with greatness. They can promise to be, do, or feel better. As an organization and a community, we also promise to support them as they pursue their dreams—whether that leads them to the boardroom, the classroom, innovation, or even the Olympics. We are confident they will succeed wherever their journey takes them because we are all becoming better together.
Let’s make this year great. We are not back. We are better.
*By the end of the 2024 Olympic Games, Sha’Carri Richardson won her first Olympic gold medal in the Women’s 4x100 relay. She ran on the team with Gabby Thomas, Melissa Jefferson, and Twanisha Terry.
