These lessons from Olympic athletes help me live with ALS

Were you able to watch the recent Paris Olympics? I did, and I’ll admit I tuned in nearly every day. But I wasn’t always such a die-hard fan.

Oh, I used to look forward to watching them — until I was diagnosed with ALS in 2010. Abruptly, I felt jealous of the athletes and angry that my body and muscles would weaken. I couldn’t bring myself to watch any of the televised events.

But I’ve since changed my attitude and gained a new perspective. Here are a few key life lessons I learned from the Olympic athletes at the 2024 Paris Games and how I weave them into my day.

Rather than get caught up in comparing my ALS-affected movements with the athletes’ ability to run, jump, spin, and swim with ease, I look deeper and draw inspiration from their dedication to a goal. I listen to stories about their challenges and setbacks, stories about the injuries and illnesses that might have caused them to give up — but instead, they tweaked their plan and started all over again.

Recommended Reading

August 6, 2024 News by Marisa Wexler, MS

Mutation in IGFBP7 gene linked to rare phenomenon of ALS reversal

Mental gymnastics

I’m inspired by the athletes’ ability to focus, especially the gymnasts. I watched them spend time visualizing their routines before performing them on the apparatus. That was a good reminder for me to do the same type of visualizing before I attempt to stand up after sitting for too long.

The gymnasts were also excellent models for being in the moment. Take the balance beam event, which is notorious for demanding mental focus. We spectators can almost pinpoint the exact instant an agile gymnast’s mind begins to wander. A misstep here, a near fall there, and a rush to finish are the telltale signs.

Drawing from this, one of my new mind games is to identify the parts of my day when my mind wanders too much, resulting in a waste of valuable time or risking a fall. I pretend I’m in an Olympic event and even give it an official name, such as the “getting dressed” event or the “getting into the van” competition. By doing this, I pay attention, I’m mindful, and I feel less stressed.

Joy on the track

On a lighter note, the short-distance runners in the track and field events confirmed my concept of showing up. Many showed up all glammed out wearing brightly colored track uniforms and sparkling jewelry. The female runners even sported fun hairstyles and fancy fingernails and were bursting with enthusiasm. My new goal for the rest of the summer is to show up wearing something colorful — just because.

It’s a small world

Finally, I appreciated being able to witness the camaraderie, joy, and support radiating from spectators and athletes alike. Many of the spectators were athletes who, now finished with their competitions, were in the audience to show their support for fellow Olympians competing in other venues.

Experiencing so much collective joy and happiness throughout the Olympic Games was certainly a welcome relief, especially in this bumpy world we’re living in.

I invite you to try some of these Olympic-style habits for yourself. They help me and perhaps they can help you, too. Let’s learn to live well while living with ALS.

Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.