The London Olympics are currently in full swing after momentous opening ceremony on Friday July 27th (2012). The amazing thing about the Olympics is that it gives young people the chance to really shine amongst adult peers. Just look at Tom Daley, who was just 14 years old when he claimed 8th place with his partner in the 10m platform synchronised dive at the Beijing 2008 Games, or Lithuania’s Ruta Meilutyte who has just won gold in the 100m breaststroke at 15. (Incidentally both of these young people trained in Plymouth, in the UK, which is currently something of a source of national pride).
So, if there is a young person in your life who is interested in winning a gold medal at the Olympics, here are some ways that you can support them.
1. Make being active a key part of their early years
Games in the garden, climbing at the local park, school sports day. Not only do children learn through play in their earliest stages of development, but this is where they may discover a love of sport. Encourage them and help them develop healthy habits for the rest of their lives.
2. Help them focus on the one sport they want to make a career
It’s important for children to play lots of games and enjoy all the sport they do, but if they want to be an Olympian they really need to focus on just one. It needs to be one that they enjoy and have a natural talent for, which can be developed. Or you could take the tactical approach and pick a less popular sport, since there will be less competition at the top, such as badminton or shooting.
3. Support them and foster self belief
Confidence is something that is easier to maintain if you have a solid foundation. Be there for them at training, make sure they make those early sessions, help them get the right nutrition and, most importantly, believe in them. Whether they become a famous sports-person at the end of it all or not, the gift of self-belief is something that will help them in all walks of life.
4. Find the right training
If they really show talent and determination, they need to be helped by the right trainers. If it were not for the help given by the Plymouth coaches, Tom and Ruta may not have tidied up their techniques enough to get ahead of the competition. Discuss the options with your child and decide whether attending a sports academy is right for them.
5. Make the National Team
It takes commitment and year-round training to make it to the top. If your child makes it to the National Team this is cause for celebration after all their hard work. However, this is the beginning of a real slog and the international competitions – good luck!
Guest post from Playsmart Surfacing and Outdoor Play Solutions, providing the rubber mulch playground surfacing to allow your little Olympian to train safely.