Are you 40 and think that dream of being an Olympic athlete is for sure behind you? Well, maybe not. Are you 15 and wondering what it would take just make the starting line let alone a podium? In this episode The Prepared Idiot asks the questions what dose it take to go for the gold?

First off the oldest recorded Olympic athlete was a young 72 years old. While this is an exception that means with a few changes in your life maybe you can make a run for your dream. So, what do you need to consider before the starting gun goes off on your Olympic career. Here are a few steps to get you out of the blocks.

Take stock of your body        

You might be built for speed, strength, flexibility, or mentally quick. Picking a sport the matches your god given gifts will move you down the path much faster.

             Pick your sport

Choose something you enjoy doing. Let’s face it because you will be spending a lot of time training for your discipline. If you are on the older side consider “mentally” focused sports. A few examples: Archery, fencing, sailing, curling and many more. Check out this link to see a list of all the current Olympic sports there are quite a few!!

Find a place to learn and train

If you’re firing guns or loosening arrows you might not want to do that in your back yard. Find a safe and legal place to learn and this goes for your running and jumping sports as well.

Join the National Governing body

Every sport has one and almost anyone can join them. I belong to the USAT (The USA Triathlon team) not that you will see me in Rio in 2016.

Go to the National Championships

This is a great way to learn what is expected of the athletes in your sport. As well as meeting others that have similar interests as yourself.

Get a Coach 

Every Olympic hopeful has one. And they might be easier to find than you think.

Find out how to qualify

I mean, isn’t that what you want to do?

Stick to your vision.

What’s the worst that can happen? You get in shape make some friends and have fun!

 

For more answers to how to make the Olympic team including what it costs to be an Olympic athlete. Can you make a living at it? And how to compete for a other than the one you live in. Listen to the podcast below