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I can say with complete conviction that the International Olympic Academy
changed my life. I began to put the loss of my Olympics behind me and work in
the Olympic Movement, spreading the concepts and teaching others, and also
working to establish the IOA Past Participant's Association. I had retired from the
National team in 1980. I became a coach and taught my players the messages of
Olympism, such as fair play and sport for all.
All through the years following the boycott, I carried the Olympic Flame in
my heart. In the late 1980's I played on and off in a domestic leagues. I helped
with the National team from time to time as a visiting coach. In April of 1987 the
smouldering flame was ignited once again into an all-consuming fire when I was
asked to join the Olympic team for Seoul. I hadn't played internationally for seven
years. I had many doubts. Could I still play at that level? Should I? What about
my job? But instantly I knew, I had to try. When I was 34 years old, I marched into
the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, and I knew at that moment that the long journey
was worth every step, every disappointment, and every sacrifice.
While I was in Seoul, I felt that I was representing my 1980 team-mates
who never got another chance, and I think this feeling is partly responsible for
my preparation to perform to my very best. I believe that when I finally had the
opportunity to compete in Seoul, I had a much greater understanding of what
Olympism really was because of the time I had spent here in Olympia. I had
prepared myself in every aspect to have my best performance. Since the age of
eight and throughout my athletic career there had been one goal; to win a gold
medal, and be an Olympic Champion. I used visualisation techniques to prepare
for matches and I always included in the visualisation, the gold meal being slipped
over my head as my national anthem was played.
As a competitor, I was not satisfied with the outcome of our Olympic
tournament, but as a veteran of sport; I was at complete peace with myself.
I had given my all, and had prepared myself for an optional performance. I knew
that I was indeed a champion. Olympians are not better than others, but are
different perhaps, somehow driven to succeed, a bit insane in our incessant
pursuit of excellence, and incomprehensibly competitive. As you may have
noticed by now, I am extremely persistent and do not give up. The Olympic
Movement has moulded my life, not because ultimately I participated in the
Olympic Games. That was a personal achievement of overwhelming satisfaction.
But rather for all the reasons I have shared with you today.
There are so many things to love about sport. I loved my sport when I was
competing. I was passionate about it. I still love to watch it played and this year
I played in an age group national tournament. I enjoy many sports because I see
in them beauty, discipline, skill, drama, perseverance and emotion. I hope that
after your experience here you will also see friendship, tolerance, understanding,
peace and love. These things are possible to achieve through sport and we can
all make a difference! Each of you was chosen to be here from among your
countrymen. This is a great honour for you! I am proud to know you and to have
this opportunity to share my experience and try to give something back to the
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