5 Things / Olympic edition
Have you been watching the Olympics? I love them - the competition, sure, but especially the stories of resilience and courage. I always find inspiration.
This year, the Olympics are inspiring me for different reasons. The courage I'm inspired by this go-around has nothing to do with athletes recovering from injuries or overcoming a difficult upbringing. This year, I'm inspired by the courage that comes from authenticity and vulnerability. The courage that comes from speaking out against sexism.
What does this have to do with diversity, equity, and inclusion? Well, authenticity and vulnerability are key ways to build psychological safety on your team. It can just start with one person but create a powerful ripple effect. Psychological safety is a key driver of a culture of inclusion. And as you probably know, inclusive teams are more successful in a variety of ways.
Courage is contagious.
So, in this Olympics edition, here are some good vibes I found this week:
The Norwegian women's beach handball team protested their skimpy bikini bottom uniforms by wearing shorts (like the men). They received a fine for their decision not to wear the required bottoms “with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg.”
Similarly, the German woman's gymnastics team wore full body leotards (aka unitards) in competition to protest the sexualization of the sport. This matters because these women are brave enough to call out outdated double-standards that sexualizes women.
Runner Allyson Felix, in conjunction with Athleta, are providing $200k in grants for Olympic athletes who are moms.The grants will cover child care, summer camps for sitters, and flights for family members who can step in as caregivers. This matters because women shouldn't have to choose between caring for their child and their career as an athlete.
Despite some transphobic dissent against specific athletes, at least 172 Olympic athletes are out as LGBTQ+ - more than ever before. Some of these people are transgender or non-binary. This is notable especially for an Olympic games hosted by a country with limited LGBTQ acceptance. This matters because they're showing up as possibility models for other young athletes, and when people are more authentic and resist the pressure to conform, they tend to perform at a higher level.
And in the biggest news of the games so far, the world's greatest female gymnast, Simone Biles, withdrew from competition and later shared it was because of mental health concerns. She put her mental health and wellbeing first. After she withdrew, the team stepped up and earned the silver medal. This matters because when someone at that level is honest about their own challenges, it gives others permission to do the same. Athletes are human, too.
Image by AP Photo/Gregory Bull