Miracles and Medals – 4 Lessons from the Olympics

Next week the Olympics kick off in Paris. You might tune in for the spectacle of the opening ceremony or the abundance of weird and wonderful sports, but you should stay for the lessons you can learn. 

Lessons you can learn from the Olympics

The Olympics have always been a source of inspiration, showcasing human athleticism. Beyond world-record sprints, head spinning dives and vein popping volts, the games offer valuable lessons you can apply to your business. 

Let’s use the broad examples of strength, preparation, timing, and endurance. You need all four to achieve great things; whether you’re launching a new product or a javelin into the air. 

1. Strength from top to bottom

Strength is a fundamental attribute for any Olympic athlete. It’s not just about thick thighs but also mental resilience. For your business, strength might translate into building robust foundations and structures. This means developing a clear and strong vision, business model, and fostering a resilient company culture.

At Nuwa our strength lies in two primary things. Our people and our vision. Without an ambitious, solution-oriented team it would be impossible to develop something like Nuwa Pen. And without our clear path forwards, those same people would probably become frustrated and unmotivated. But together they create strength and resilience. 

The Miracle on Ice (1980 Winter Olympics)

The 1980 U.S. men's hockey team’s victory over the Soviet Union is a perfect example of strength in action. Despite being considered underdogs, the team’s mental and physical preparation enabled them to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. 

You might think, and? 

But imagine what might have happened if the leaders in that team never stepped up to the plate, or better still, if they had never been picked. Hiring the right people and communicating clear objectives is what provides strength and resilience to overcome challenges.

Juggernauts like Apple and Amazon have repeatedly demonstrated the importance of strength. Apple’s ability to innovate consistently and Amazon’s relentless focus on customer satisfaction are testaments to the strength of their foundational principles. These companies have shown that with a strong base, businesses can weather economic downturns and emerge stronger.

2. Always be prepared 

We all know the hardship of an Olympic athlete: you only get to that stage once every four years. So, who better to learn about preparation than an Olympian. In business, thorough preparation can make the difference between success and failure. Market research, strategic planning, and sourcing valuable mentors can and often does make the difference. 

When starting Nuwa, we embarked on our fair share of preparation. You don’t want to spend years developing something ‘new’ only to find out Apple has the same idea up its sleeves. Nor do you want to invest millions into a product that isn’t physically possible. 

Olympic Dominance: A Story of Perpetual Preparation

Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, is known for her extraordinary dedication to preparation and her relentless pursuit of perfection. Her training regimen is exhaustive, incorporating strength, agility, and precision to master routines that push the boundaries of what is considered possible in gymnastics. Biles’ focus on honing her skills and continuously improving has earned her a staggering number of Olympic and World Championship medals and at such a young age!

Toyota exemplifies the power of preparation. Their commitment to quality and efficiency, known as the Toyota Production System, has made it a global leader in the automotive industry. By preparing meticulously and focusing on continuous improvement, Toyota has maintained its competitive edge for decades. It also proves that you have to keep going. There’s no point in preparing for your launch but in leaving your preparation there. Long-term success comes from jumping on the hamster wheel of preparation. 

3. Riding the Wave

Timing is everything. How many times have you heard that? A fraction of a second can be the difference between a gold medal and no medal at all. Similarly, in business, timing can determine the success or failure of a venture. Understanding market trends, recognizing opportunities, and knowing when to act are vital skills for any wannabe business tycoon.

Don't jump the gun

Eric Moussambani, known as "Eric the Eel," became an unexpected hero at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Representing Equatorial Guinea, Moussambani had only learned to swim eight months before the games and had never seen a 50-meter pool before arriving in Sydney. During his 100-meter freestyle heat, he struggled to complete the race but qualified through his heat because, unlike his competitors, he didn’t jump the gun. There are fewer more iconic images than Eric swimming alone in an Olympic pool. 

Despite his slow time, Moussambani’s performance captured the world’s attention. His timing was impeccable—not just in terms of his race time, but in seizing a unique opportunity to inspire millions.

Netflix is a prime example of mastering timing in business. Recognizing the shift in consumer preferences towards online streaming, Netflix transitioned from a DVD rental service to a streaming giant. Their timely decision to invest in original content further solidified their market position. This strategic timing has allowed Netflix to get ahead of its competitors, providing a market advantage ever since. 

4. Will Power

Endurance is a defining characteristic of Olympians. Competing at the highest level requires sustained effort, perseverance, and the ability to overcome setbacks. In business, endurance is about maintaining long-term focus, staying resilient through challenges, and continuously pushing toward goals.

Rise a Fist

Berlin, 1936 – Hitler has risen to power, and the Nazis are changing Europe forever. Despite all the chaos and upheaval, the Olympic flame was lit, and most nations took their place on the startlines. In the face of horrific racial abuse, Owens won four gold medals, breaking barriers and setting records, all while Hitler himself looked on from his box. His perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful lesson for any leader about the importance of enduring through difficult times.

Fortunately, Nuwa has not had to experience the kind of adversity Owens faced in Berlin. However, nothing worthwhile comes without some pushback. Over the last three years, we’ve been dealt multiple blows—some of our own doing and others out of our hands. But it's a testament to our strength and endurance that we’ve come through the other side—so far (knock on wood). 

If you’re thinking about starting a business or have already made millions of dollars, it’s worth taking a minute to think about what lessons you can take away from this summer's games. Keep your ears and eyes open, not just for the spectacular, but for the interviews afterward, the glimpses of warm-ups and game-time rituals. 

One of the biggest challenges in any walk of life is to keep complacency at arm’s length. Why not do that over the next month while watching summersaults, serves, and sprints?