Becoming a Winner in Sports and Life

In this pictoral post, I shared my photos from the Olympic training facility in Colorado Springs Colorado, and the “Winning Attitudes” advice I learned there.

statues of runners passing a torch
updated July 18, 2026

I visited the United States Olympic Training facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Both Olympic and Paralympic athletes train and live there.

The facilities are state-of-the-art, modern, and open for visits and tours.

The Ancient Olympic GAmes sign
Brief History of the Olympic Games

As much as I admire the elite athletes who comprise the Olympic team, the Paralympic athletes captivate my imagination.

These are athletes who compete with, not necessarily despite, significant physical impairments; but to call them “disabled” does them an injustice. Many of them play and compete in physically demanding sports without full use of their arms and legs; some don’t even have all of their arms and legs.

As we walked around the complex on a guided tour, I was reminded of the importance of physical activity for our physical and mental health, and made a note to remind you too.  Almost no one will disagree with the recommendation to include and increase our daily physical activity.

  • Medical studies show that exercise can prevent or improve many chronic health conditions and lack of exercise contributes to many diseases.
  • Physical activity may reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, colon, uterus, prostate and pancreas.
  • Regular exercise may help prevent diabetes and heart disease.
  • Exercise can relieve joint and back pain due to arthritis.
  • Depression is treated with physical activity successfully

As we walked through the  USA Shooting area, I picked up a flyer titled “Winning Attitudes”. I liked what it said, so I am using some of the ideas to illustrate my photos. I hope they will encourage you to develop a “winning attitude” in all areas of your life.

Become excited, confident, and enthusiastic about your goals.

statue of four athletes jumping

True confidence is based on the thoroughness of preparation. 

Olympic work out room

Winners have the ability to look inside themselves and find that special dream.

“Olympic Strength” statue- four athletes supporting the world with a figure skater beside them

Winners focus on solutions, not problems.

wheelchairs
wheelchairs adapted for playing

Winners have positive attitudes in all elements of their lives. The more you think about, talk about, and write about a thing happening, the greater the certainty of that thing happening.

vehicle
on display in the Hall of Fame

Goals should identify minimum performance levels. They should never limit your performance.

swimming pool
a real “olympic sized” swimming pool

Real winners are champions in life, not just in sports.

two champion athletes
Runner Tyson Gay and gymnast Mary Lou Retton in the Hall of Fame

Missing a goal means setting another goal to strive for.

gym
multi use gymnasium

A champion constantly learns and improves.

practice
words to train by and live by

Champions are willing to risk a little in the short run to gain an advantage in the long run.

2 athletes
2 athletes hard at work

Winners have the ability to look inside themselves and find that special dream. 

man standing next to hockey players
Look out Raymond!

A champion constantly learns and improves.

DSCN1135
passing the torch

Excellence is achieved only through constant pursuit. 

housing.
The athletes live, eat, and sleep here.

Real winners are champions in life, not just sports. 

statue of four athletes raising arms

What makes YOU a CHAMPION? 

Which of these “winning attitudes” resonates most with you?

Which do you want to cultivate more in your life?

Which attitude will be most challenging for you?

Exploring the HEART of Health

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Dr. Aletha
be a champion.
I may not be a competitive athlete, but I will stay as active as possible as long as possible.
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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.

8 thoughts on “Becoming a Winner in Sports and Life”

  1. What an awesome and encouraging post. So many good things here.

    I have to admit, I’m extra excited about this summer’s Olympics. I LOVE watching gymnastics – and swimming!

    Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).

    Wishing you a lovely evening.
    xoxo

    Like

  2. I love this post and all the wonderful reminders about what a champion and winner really are. I have never been to the Center. Appreciate your post. Thanks for linking with #overthemoon.

    Like

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