Coffee Rings: Group Dinner at Earl's Restaurant Featuring Carl Lewis & Bonnie Blair

I had the privilege of attending a group dinner at Earl's where Olympic medalsits, Bonnie Blair, US Speed Skater, and Carl Lewis, US Track & Field athlete! The group was offered the opportunity for a Q&A session. We asked questions such as; "how did you get yourself mentally ready before a competition?", and "Does an athlete have to be quite young when they take up a sport if they would like to have the chance to compete at the Olympics?"". A few of the answers surprised me. When chatting with a few of the athletes at the Village McDonald's location, I was surprised to find out that some of the curlers were in their teen years when they took up the sport! The key is that they enjoy doing it and will keep at it without feeling like it's a big chore.
Also, in regards to getting yourself mentally ready to compete, both Bonnie and Carl agreed that they always "stayed in the moment". For example, they would count their steps as they ran or skated. They weren't thinking about the finish line, they were focusing on putting one foot in front of the other at that very moment. Then afterwards, what ever the results, they would go over the race and take a look at where they shined and where they could improve! Yes, even a gold medalist knows they can improve and become a better, stronger athlete. Wow!!