PYEONGCHANG 2018: Four-time Olympian Lydia Lassila has told her peers to ‘savour’ their Olympics experience and make the most of every moment.
The dual Olympic medallist was addressing athletes attending Australian Team Processing for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang.
“Savour these experiences because they are what last forever,” Lassila said.
“Not only the performance (but) the fun times and the struggles that you go through.
“Treasure that, it doesn’t last forever. Make the most out of it,” said the 2010 Olympic Champion.
Lassila said each of her four Olympic Games experiences has been different.
“I was in a different headspace each time,” she said.
“From the rookie who was super green and didn’t know what was going on and overwhelmed by the first experience. Everyone was looking after me.
“By the next Games I was the veteran and I was seasoned.
“Now I’ve got kids and I’m in a completely different mindset, but really enjoying myself and savoring these last moments as an athlete. It’s really special.”
Two-time Olympian Britt Cox recalled her first Olympic Games experience to the group.
“I qualified for Vancouver three weeks before the Games.” Cox said.
“I remember being there and was the baby of the team. I’d be in the Olympic village and it would be five thirty in the afternoon and everyone would say, ‘isn’t it your bed time’,” she laughed.
Australia’s Chef de Mission, Ian Chesterman opened proceedings at the team processing session, telling athletes the 2018 Olympic Winter Games will be first class.
“The local community in South Korea will really get behind these Games and make them a great experience for everybody,” Chesterman said.
He said athletes would be provided an environment that would give them the best opportunity to ‘produce their best on the right day’.
“We’ve been working hard for a long time so that when you get out on your field of play you feel everything has gone as well as it could possibly go and you’ve had your chance to do your best on that day,” he said to the athletes.
“Not everybody will win medals at the Olympic Games but everybody gets to go along and become an Olympian.
“We want to make your experience a positive one.”
Michelle Cook
OWIA
