The format of a My Take is 150 words – no more, no less – to express an opinion on a different topic each week. This week the topic was expectations.
I have the greatest sympathy for elite athletes.
It’s as though once talent is displayed, they are encouraged, then trained, then pushed to reach the absolute peak of performance, spending countless hours to stay one step above the competition.
I’m sure there is passion, and there is pleasure. But there is also pain.
At some point, they kind of lose ownership of themselves, and their accomplishments become bigger than just them.
It can’t be easy to stay grounded or motivated.
I think if we were all scrutinized to the degree elite athletes are, more average Joes would struggle with their mental health.
I mean, I buckle in line at the grocery store if there are more than two people behind me. Like I’m going to be judged on the speed of my card swiping and bagging.
So if athletes need a break, let them rest.
