U.S. Olympic Coaches: Dare the Athletes to Dream of Gold
“Have a dream”, that is what U.S. National Shooting Team Coach, Lloyd Woodhouse, tells his athletes. In the past 6 Olympic Games that Woodhouse has coached, those dreams of gold have come true for many U.S. shooters. These Olympic performances would not be possible without the coaches behind the athletes. Sure, the athletes have special talents in their particular sport, but the coaches provide the inspirational motivation, the wisdom from experience, and the expert guidance.
Look at Coach K, the U.S. Men’s Basketball Coach, he is working with some amazing talent, but don’t think for a moment that he is just sitting back and giving these young men free rein. Oh no, his team is set out to “redeem” itself after the last Olympics. Coach K is giving them the guidance to navigate through the rough waters of international play and the spotlight. This expert guidance helps to keep everyone focused on the task at hand. Without a strong guiding hand, things can get out of hand.
Getting back to Lloyd Woodhouse who has been coaching since 1976, his experience is irreplaceable. With that comes invaluable wisdom that earns the respect from not only the athletes but other coaches as well. Recognized for this tribute, Lloyd Woodhouse was named U.S. Olympic Committee’s Coach of the Year in 2003. A few wise words from an old coach can help to calmly integrate the physical game with the mental game of athletics.
I can think of no coach more inspiring than Coach John Wooden (www.coachwooden.com ), the famous basketball coach from UCLA. He transcended the basketball court to become an inspirational voice for all who will listen. My favorite “Wooden” maxim is “Why fear adversity when it is the one thing that makes you stronger”? It is this type of coaching that can motivate anyone to succeed. Success is not possible without motivation.
Michael Phelps, Kerri Walsh, Misty May, Nastia Liukin, and Stephanie Trafton all won gold not only based on their physical talents, but also based on the excellent coaching. Their Olympic coaches provide the motivation, wisdom, and guidance necessary to win a gold medal. Now, all of the Olympic athletes can tell their coaches, “See coach, dreams do come true”!
These lessons of success go beyond the Olympic Games because along the road of life many types of coaches exist. Mothers, fathers, pastors, teachers, and spouses are all there to offer the type of motivational wisdom and guidance that can make your dreams come true too. You just need to have a dream!
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