Colin Jackson: what it takes to be an Olympian
by
Get the full episode insights!
Enter your email below to get notified about more insights from:
The Runner's World UK Podcast
This episode is titled:
Colin Jackson: what it takes to be an Olympian
Notable Quotes
"When you get older, you have that naturally built in, you know, that's your natural way of being and instinct."
"It's really strange to be the best in the world. Right. Okay."
"I wish back in the day it was like now for athletes. Yes. In the community."
"If you don't start now, I'm never going to do this thing. And I want to be young enough to be able to do that."
Get episode summaries just like this for all your favourite podcasts in your inbox every day!
Get More InsightsEpisode Summary
In this episode of The Runners World Podcast, hosts Rick Pearson and Ben Hobson speak with Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson. They delve into Colin's journey, starting from his humble beginnings in school sports where he initially wasn't the fastest, to becoming a world champion hurdler. Colin talks about the importance of perseverance and self-competition in achieving success, stating that despite early doubts from others about his size for the hurdles, he used it as motivation to prove them wrong.
Colin recalls a defining moment at the world juniors where he felt the pressure of being a favorite, showcasing his ability to perform under stress despite injuries. He discusses his experiences with competition, reflecting on his significant goal-oriented mindset and sharing how he transitioned from high performance athletics to handling the pressures of fame and media expectations.
As he recounts high points and disappointments across his career, including the frustration of injuries and missed opportunities, Colin emphasizes the mental resilience needed to excel as an athlete. He also touches on the evolution of athletics, the pressures faced by contemporary athletes due to social media, and how he navigated his public identity, especially regarding coming out as gay. Colin paints a picture of a vibrant past in athletics while looking forward to future competitions and rivalries within the sport.
As he wraps up, Colin shares insights on helping young athletes cope with setbacks and maintaining mental health, ensuring that they focus on their performance rather than external pressure. His perspectives make a case for maintaining authenticity in sports amid commercial demands, hinting at the profound impact of an athlete's environment on mental well-being.
Colin recalls a defining moment at the world juniors where he felt the pressure of being a favorite, showcasing his ability to perform under stress despite injuries. He discusses his experiences with competition, reflecting on his significant goal-oriented mindset and sharing how he transitioned from high performance athletics to handling the pressures of fame and media expectations.
As he recounts high points and disappointments across his career, including the frustration of injuries and missed opportunities, Colin emphasizes the mental resilience needed to excel as an athlete. He also touches on the evolution of athletics, the pressures faced by contemporary athletes due to social media, and how he navigated his public identity, especially regarding coming out as gay. Colin paints a picture of a vibrant past in athletics while looking forward to future competitions and rivalries within the sport.
As he wraps up, Colin shares insights on helping young athletes cope with setbacks and maintaining mental health, ensuring that they focus on their performance rather than external pressure. His perspectives make a case for maintaining authenticity in sports amid commercial demands, hinting at the profound impact of an athlete's environment on mental well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Success in sports often stems from self-competition and resilience.
- Navigating pressures, both internal and external, is crucial for athletes.
- Mental health awareness is essential in athletics, particularly during and after competitive careers.
- The landscape of athletics has changed significantly due to social media, impacting athlete privacy and pressure.
- Colin Jackson's journey emphasizes the importance of authenticity and mentorship for young athletes.