“Olympic athletes, they’re just like us!”
Believe it or not, this thought actually crossed my mind as I watched 16-year-old gymnast Hezly Rivera’s powerful beam routine in the U.S. Olympic team trials, though not in the way you think. (I can’t even do a cartwheel, let alone a side aerial!).
After all, stepping up to the podium isn’t the only thing PR professionals have in common with world-class athletes. In honor of Paris 2024 starting on July 26, let’s celebrate eight practices we share with Olympians that give us all a competitive advantage.
Dream big.
You have to dream big to win big! Just ask Katie Ledecky, who will become the most decorated U.S. woman in any sport if she wins three more medals in Paris. While most of us will never rise to GOAT status, strategic communications pros must embrace a grand vision to do great things.
Set goals and measure success.
We may not always win a medal, but sometimes we will win an award. Whether it’s securing a coveted speaking opportunity, landing a feature in a key publication or edging out the competition in share of voice, PR pros and athletes alike must benchmark our progress and continually strive for excellence.
Be intentional about training.
I’ve read that sprinter Noah Lyles trains for five hours a day. With warm-up videos posted all over the internet, it’s easy to see how his hard work pays off on the track. If you’ve ever staffed an interview when the spokesperson wasn’t focused in their prep session, didn’t practice their soundbites and didn’t warm up before talking to the journalist, then you know how even the most skilled communicators can fail when they wing it.
Invest in coaching.
Have you ever seen a world-class athlete without a coach? Leadership coaching at any career level is a worthy investment that helps us achieve our full potential, benefiting us as individuals as well as the teams we lead. The great news is, there are coaches who specialize in communications, marketing and media professionals. Pro-tip: Seek one who has completed an ICF-accredited coach training program.
Prioritize mental health.
As the most decorated Olympic gymnast in history, Simone Biles may also be the world’s most visible champion for mental health. It took courage to step away from the Tokyo Olympics and use her platform to raise awareness about mental health. As chair of PRSA’s East Central District, Jennifer Kramer recently opened up about her struggles with anxiety and depression, encouraging colleagues across the profession to seek help when they need it.
Persevere.
Setbacks are inevitable in sports and comms. After being banned from competition after testing positive for THC before the Tokyo games, Sha’Carri Richardson publicly apologized and accepted responsibility for her decision. Now, she’s a favorite for the 100-meter race in the Paris games. When crises hit, PR pros don’t quit (and we often need to make apologies). How we respond in a moment of crisis is often more important and telling than what happened in the first place.
Value teamwork.
When you’re part of a team, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. It’s one reason why the U.S. women’s basketball team is chasing its eighth straight Olympic gold medal. Whether you’re part of a large, complex organization or a one-person comms shop, PRSA can help you stay the course by ensuring that you’re not alone.
Love what you do.
Also a champion of mental health, Caleb Dressel has walked away from his incredible career several times when it wasn’t fulfilling him. Now the fan favorite is renewed and ready for Paris and with a new motivator on the sidelines — his newborn son. People can tell when we’re just going through the motions. If you’re feeling unfulfilled, then step back and find a creative endeavor until you feel in it to win it again.
Katie Neal is vice president of communications and marketing at TimelyCare and president of the PRSA Thoroughbred Chapter in Lexington, Ky. Connect with her on LinkedIn or X: @katieneal.
Illustration credit: delphotostock
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