5 Incredible Athletes Share A Career-Defining Moment

“When I was finally able to run the 100-meter in under 10.7 seconds, I couldn’t believe what had happened. I did it! My mouth hit the floor. I had dreamed about this for so long, and so to have done it felt amazing. Breaking this record was proof that I could do anything. When I put my mind to something, nobody can tell me no. It’s the grit, determination and commitment that sets you apart from the rest. I’m now being more mindful about my legacy and what that means for my family, my fans and the people around me. When I hang up my [running] spikes, I want to know that I inspired other women and girls to go after their dreams. It’s not too late. You’re not too old. It doesn’t matter what people say you can or cannot do, or even where you come from – keep your eye on the prize.”

“A really formative part of my life as a professional climber was the time around my first big competition, which was the 2013 European Athletics Junior Championships. I was 14 years old. I remember that it didn’t bother me much that it was my first championship; I just went and climbed for fun and I ended up winning. I’ve done my best to hold on to that same approach ever since – trying not to worry about being successful and focusing on having fun instead.”

“The challenge in perfecting a dive drives the competitiveness in me and getting it right motivates me. The discipline and commitment required for an athlete tames my wandering spirit and gives me focus. Winning the bronze medal at the London Summer Olympics in 2012 [is] a memorable and treasured moment. It made me feel like I had finally achieved something that I, my family and my country could be proud of. Winning has also taught me the importance of balance – to be humble with my successes, to be graceful in the face of defeat and to persevere and enjoy the journey.”

“A particularly memorable time for me in gymnastics was definitely during my NCAA career. I went to UCLA unaware of how collegiate gymnastics worked. However, the immediate sense of team was so empowering and each day I felt like I had a duty to my teammates, the wider team of support staff and the entire UCLA Bruin community to be my best. There is, of course, pressure, but I felt like it uplifted me, because there was the support and intention behind it to help me become the best competitor I could be. There are a lot of memories from my time at college that I will treasure forever. But the overall win for me was the shift in my mindset. I began my college journey immediately after the heartbreak of not competing at the 2012 Olympic Games. I had no intention of competing in elite anymore, but the joy and motivation I felt from being a Bruin inspired me to reach for my goal once again. My gymnastics journey has taught me not to put an expiry date on my dreams.”