I
n 1980, Eric Heiden won five Olympic gold medals and set five world records as a speed skater. For four years prior to the Olympics he practiced four hours a day, six days a week. Because of the brutal winters, much of his training was on an indoor stationary skating machine.
An ABC television crew went to Wisconsin to film these special training sessions. The camera focused on the incredible intensity, rhythm and determination. Heiden’s strength and finesse were unbelievable. One might have expected Heiden’s face to be strained and grimacing. But there was no anguish, no complaining - just a smile.
Staged for the camera?
No. What we did not see on the screen - what was in full view of Heiden - was a giant picture of five Olympic gold medals. Heiden could see the gold medals the entire time he practiced. When fatigue set in, he visualized and imagined what he would feel like when he won them.
Any champion, like Eric Heiden, willingly pays the price to win. They know the benefits of winning are worth the effort. This is the third step to becoming a champion. First, see yourself as a winner. Second, discipline yourself to become one. Third, be willing to pay the price in hard work.