WHO'S WORLD OF FANTASY WILL YOU DIVE INTO NEXT?

Here’s a question for you: does it all end after crossing the finish line, or when the guest of honour/MC declares the Games closed?

The same way the journey began way before the starting sound of the whistle/gun or the Opening Ceremony, so too does the journey extend beyond the Closing Ceremony. Unfortunately, we get so caught up in the pre-game preparations that we tend to overlook the post-game routine.

In the lead up to the Games, there is a ton of focus on athlete preparation hence the detailed training programs; full meals; accommodation; team talks…………which is all very commendable. In fact, it is expected.

This bit tends to surface in the media, albeit briefly; meaning that it is not so much behind-the-scenes as one would expect. The Games then become a media hotspot, which is what the public sees.

On the other hand, rarely will you ever hear of media presence after-the-fact, meaning that the scene shifts to deep cover behind-the-scenes. After all the attention, we tend to forget that a mountain crest has 2 slopes, both of which are equally vital to an athlete.

Is there a program in place to aid the athletes in recovery from the Games? Perhaps even full meals to replenish their stores? What about measures that focus on their psychological (and mental) health, are these being considered?

Recently, we’ve heard some stories like that of the late Agnes Tirop. Who would have known that she was living 2 lives: athlete and lay person? There’s been talk about preventive measures where athletes are concerned that should be able to protect them from adverse social effects like depression, gender violence, mental health issues,………

Something to always keep in mind is that an athlete is a person first and athlete second. In the build up to and during the Games, it could be argued that most of the focus is on the athlete and their performance. But we need to remember that in the build down, the person in the athlete also needs to be catered for.

They are more like the cup you use then wash and dry and nothing like the plastic water/soda bottle you use then discard.

Speaking now to the athletes reading this article:

Remember when I wrote to you earlier this week differentiating between outcome and performance? If you can honestly look back and say that you couldn’t have done any better under the circumstances, you’ve won the war. If that now couples with your outstanding outcome performance (ie, beating your opponents), then it’s a flawless victory.

I would encourage you to take time to build down from the Games: recover, talk to someone, write in your athlete’s/training journal, eat well……enjoy your sense of self. You are much more than the sport you play :).

On a side note, I’m organising a social event on Saturday, 2nd July 2022 with the theme on Olympic Day (celebrated globally on 23rd June). You are invited, and the only thing you might have to pay for is fare and entry fee. Everything else will be taken care of. The venue will be communicated in due course.

As proud as we are of YOU, you’re the only one who can be proud of YOURSELF.

I look forward to interacting more with you on 2nd July.

VIVRE LES SPORTS!

(You can always reach me via email josemariambui@gmail.com or phone/whatsapp +254707047249)