Unforgettable Moments: Embracing the Magic of the Paris Olympic Games

An Olympic Letter – Note to Self

The Olympics are a beautiful paradox. They bring people together from every corner of the globe, forging friendships that feel like they could last a lifetime. Yet, in the blink of an eye, you’re waving goodbye, promising to meet again at the next global competition. The connections you make are intense, but often fleeting—a unique blessing and curse of high-performance sport.

Paris was surreal. Truly. If I could write a letter to myself about this experience, here’s what I’d say:

Remember the People
Mary, Perri, Jules, Anni—some familiar faces, some new ones. With some, the bond deepened, and with others, something new and unexpected blossomed. Will these connections endure? Only time and action will tell. But the moments shared were real, and that’s what matters.

Remember the Joy of the Stage
The thrill of being on stage, interacting with fans, and encouraging them to find joy beyond the medals was a highlight. Watching those who didn’t make the podium but achieved personal bests, made finals, or broke records—it was a reminder that success comes in many forms.

Remember the Pride in Seeing Friends Shine
Seeing Asha and Jeanette presenting on TV, or watching friends give their all on the track, even after stumbling at the seventh hurdle—those moments were full of pride. They reminded me that even in the face of adversity, there’s beauty in resilience and faith.

Remember the Fun
Dancing until 5 AM, feeling like a carefree sixteen-year-old again, surrounded by friends old and new—those nights were pure magic. The kind of fun that leaves you exhausted, not from boredom, but from living life so fully that when you finally rest, you sleep deeply.

Remember the Freedom of This Experience
For the first time, I could enjoy competition – the Olympic Games – without the pressure of competing. I explored iconic sites, stayed up late, indulged in food and wine—luxuries I couldn’t engage in as an athlete. This time, I could fully soak in the experience.

Remember the Magic of Paris
The Louvre, the romantic boat ride on the Seine, the Olympic flame rising amidst thunderous applause—these moments were nothing short of magical. For those brief weeks, the world’s worries paused, and life was filled with laughter, dance, and late nights.

Remember the Unique Olympic ‘Houses’
These aren’t real houses, but special spaces like the Adidas House, OLY House and Team GB House (Pavillon d’Armenonville), where athletes gather to celebrate, relax, and create exclusive memories. One of my favourite moments was watching a young boy’s face light up when Anthony Ogogo placed his 2012 Bronze medal around his neck. That joy, that speechless awe—it moved me to tears. It encapsulated what the Olympics are all about.

Even my own accomplishments, though they often seem dim compared to the gleaming medals around me, started to shine brighter when I saw them through the eyes of fans. I didn’t realise how much I needed that perspective.

Remember, Abs—The Olympic Experience Is So Much More Than Performance
Yes, athletes are there to win, to break records, and to push the limits of what’s possible. But they’re also human. And what is human life without joy? Without community? My hope is that, even for those who didn’t perform as they’d hoped, there was still joy to be found amidst the craziness and intensity of the Games.

I experienced the beauty of joy in Tokyo at my debut Games as an athlete, and I’m incredibly thankful for that. But this new role—spectator, speaker, and more—gave me a different kind of appreciation. One that I’ll carry with me forever.

What about you? What were your Olympic highlights? What moments from the Paris Games will you treasure?

Love and blessings,

Abs xx

Let’s Stay Connected!

If you enjoyed this glimpse into the magic of the Paris Olympics, I’d love for you to join me on this journey of reflection… the Paralympics is only 8 days away! Follow my blog for more insights, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from the world of sports. Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to stay connected—there’s so much more to come! 🏅✨