OLYMPIC ATHLETES

OLYMPIC ATHLETES

Olympic athletes must be strong both physically and mentally. First of all, if they hope to complete in an Olympic sport, they must be physically strong. Furthermore, aspiring Olympians must train rigorously for many years. For the most demanding sports, they train several hours a day, five or six days a week, for ten or more years. In addition to being physically strong, they must also be mentally tough. This means that they have to be totally dedicated to their sport, often giving up a normal school, family, and social life. Being mentally strong also means that they must be able to withstand the intense pressure of international competition with its attendant media coverage. Finally, not everyone can win a medal, so they must possess the strength to live with defeat.