Elon Musk, already an extraordinarily wealthy man, became the world’s richest person last Thursday.
“How strange” Musk responded to the news on Twitter and followed that up by saying “Well, back to work…”
Another social media post caught my eye this week which reminded me of Musk’s mindset.
Hilary Manners of Manners Media has some well-known high-fliers of the eventing world on her lists; whilst in lockdown (and doing the ironing/watching football – nothing like a multi-tasker!) Hils commented on the mindset of professional athletes
“I'm lucky enough to have three British Olympic hopefuls as clients – what does it take to maintain that focus, leaving no stone unturned for months on end, this year primarily for a competition that was cancelled last year and must have a question mark hanging over it in 2021?
“Of the three I referred to, two have young children and one a body as battered as a bumper car. How much easier would it be, with the sub-zero temperatures we are experiencing, to think 'Today I might just hunker down in front of the fire with a glass of wine/piece of cake and a movie - what harm can it do'? i.e. like a normal person. I remain in awe of their commitment – it's why they are all in a very small group of 'best in the world' riders.”
In 2010 when I published the book An Eventful Life – Life Stories of Eventing Champions, I wrote in the foreword;
“I have not been able to find a collective noun that describes a multitude of Olympians. However, after having worked on this book, I have decided it should be a ‘dedication’ of Olympians.”
Any horse-related activity needs passion. Looking after a horse, in all weather and every day of the year, requires commitment and devotion from riders of all levels.
Even during the off season in winter, the World Number One Oliver Townend’s alarm goes off at 4:30am to wake him up. He is usually the first rider up at Gadlas Farm so Oliver tacks up the first two or three rides up himself before the rest of the stable starts work at 6:30am when the horses are given their morning feed.
World Champion Ros Canter has access to an an indoor arena when training with coach Caroline Moore but still chooses at times to jump her horses outdoors, even in the pouring rain, as that is what she would face on competition days.
To become the best in the world (and stay there) takes enormous dedication and, in extraordinary times like this, those who wait for the ‘norm’ to return may find it has overtaken them on the way.
Interested in being the best you can be? You’ll love “Podium Potential” – a fascinating coaching series with Caroline Moore FBHS, coming soon in our Training Section
