Okay, if you thought that I really saw Aliens from outer space, I was just joking okay. Please do not press the red button when you see this

I saw athletes from overseas not other planets, and the experience at YOV is simply awesome and amazing. but it was more than that. Yeah there was cultural exchange programmes. Booths from different nation set up by our students had interesting activities like traditional games. For me, it was really a mind blowing experience for me today. THE BEST PART IS HERE. ATHLETES ACTUALLY THINK I AM 18. and there was this Cooks Island Girl that was like a head taller than me. OMG.

Now, seeing all this was through a perspective of a participant, but being a SME was to look things through different perspectives. Therefore, I interviewed Mr Desmond, one of the planning committee members.He told me, that it was the experience that was invaluable for him,he enjoyed the experience to plan from nothing and to achieve all these! When confronted with this question on the challenges he faced, it lied in the word "inaugural"., they had nothing to learn from and to follow, it was a whole new concept. It was different from the Olympic Games, this was focused on bringing out the best from the teenagers. And he said to see its success, was his greatest pleasure.

And from what he said, it is totally true, the IOC have reached the purpose, to bring out the best of the athletes not only in sports but character wise, athletes of different culture and nations come together,.  to be united in sports. It was obvious they learnt alot from each other, to respect each others differences.

AND HOW TO SKIP THE PIN TRADING CENTER MAN. Traded like so many badges, at least 30 now. Next, I went to the talk by champions. This was by Alexander Popov and Sergey Bubka, those two people were highly respected in their area of competition. Alexander was a four time olympian with nine medals, whereas Sergey Bubka set the world record and re wrote it THIRTY FIVE TIMES.

They gave a very inspiring talk, teaching the athletes the true Olympic Values. Both of them highlighted the fact that NEVER to be motivated last minute, but to motivate yourself to reach the goal. Another important point they mentioned was not to be pressurised but to be responsible. It was really a mindset shift, that we must be accountable to ourselves then we can be accountable to others.

Have you ever ever felt nervous before an exam, a performance, competition? Well, take the Alexander and Sergey solution , to believe and focus to think that you can do it. Trust yourself to do it.

Therefore, I wish all you guys heed their advice, when you see that obstacle in front of you, trust that you can clear it and emerge victorious.

You dont need to be an athelete, to live an OLYMPIC LIFESTYLE.

You can email me @ sme.keith@gmail.com for your olympic stories, i am always interested to know!