Career Lessons from the 2024 Olympics

With the 2024 Olympics now behind us, I find myself reflecting on the incredible stories of athletic achievement that unfolded during those unforgettable weeks.

As an avid fan, I spent my evenings watching in awe as athletes from around the world showcased their dedication, resilience, and teamwork. These moments weren’t just inspiring on a personal level—they also offered valuable lessons that we can apply to our careers.

Here are five takeaways from the 2024 Olympics and how they relate to our professional lives:

Commitment to Excellence

Example: Simone Biles' Historic Performance

One of the most memorable moments of the Olympics was Simone Biles’ gold-winning performance in the all-around gymnastics event. Her routine — perfected through years of dedication and training — was a great reminder that success requires consistent effort. In our careers, this might mean additional training, certifications, or supervisory responsibilities.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Example: Neeraj Chopra's Comeback

Neeraj Chopra’s journey to gold in the javelin throw was SO inspiring to me. After suffering a serious elbow injury last year, it was unclear whether he’d be able to compete again. But Chopra's resilience allowed him to return — and triumph — at the highest level. This is a powerful lesson about how resilience can carry us through tough times in our careers. 

The Power of Teamwork

Example: USA Women's 4x100m Relay Team

The gold-winning performance of the USA Women’s 4x100m relay team was a masterclass in teamwork. With athletes like Sha'Carri Richardson and Gabby Thomas on the team, they were already ahead of the pack but not just because of their individual speed. They also had to trust each other. In the workplace, success often hinges on our ability to work well with others, too!

Setting and Achieving Goals

Example: Armand Duplantis' Pole Vault Record

Armand Duplantis breaking his own world record in the pole vault was one of the highlights of the Olympics for me. He was able to do this because of the goals he set for himself throughout his training journey. We can do this in our careers, as well. Setting specific, measurable goals, and creating a strategic plan to achieve them keeps us focused and motivated. 

Adaptability and Flexibility

Example: Katie Ledecky's Versatility in Swimming

Katie Ledecky competed in multiple swimming events, from the 200m to the 1500m freestyle. It’s why she’s the best of the best. But in order to do this, she had to adapt her training schedule to reach her goals. In the workplace, adaptability is just as important. The ability to pivot, embrace change, and remain open to new ideas is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.

The 2024 Olympics brought us some really great lessons that we can take with us into the workplace. Things like resilience, teamwork, and setting goals can help us reach that next level we want for ourselves and our careers. And if you need a coach, I’m here to help!