Can you imagine how difficult it is to compete in the Olympics? Thousands watch live, as millions view on TV and online. While I’ve never competed in the Olympics, I’ve had my share of trying experiences. Here’s how an Olympian remained calm and how it relates to my personal experience.
Originally from College Place, WA, Kenneth Rooks is an American track and field athlete specializing in the 3000-meter steeplechase. Rooks was the 2023 NCAA national steeplechase champion, competing for the BYU Cougars. Then, he won silver in the same event at the 2024 Summer Olympics. How did Rooks remain calm during those times?
Kenneth Rooks (photo courtesy Daily Herald)
Kenneth Rooks: When you’re getting ready for a race, there are a lot of distractions and thoughts in your mind like, “Do I want to be here today?” So, one thing I like to do, especially when I’m getting ready for races, is to read scripture. It helps calm me down and remind me what matters most.”
Rooks’s words took me down memory lane, reminding me of an incredibly nerve-wracking experience: participating in the 1996 Mrs. Texas America Pageant.
My hands have only sweated twice, and that was one of those times.
Sandra as a Mrs. Texas contestant (personal photo)
I remember walking onto the large stage, seeing the judges sitting in the front row, and watching the live audience. I whispered to another contestant, “I can’t do this!” Reassuring, she replied, “Just remember how difficult it was to get this far!”
Pageant employees knew what we were going through, and one broke the tension by declaring something we all knew to be true: “If you can get on that stage in swimwear, you can do anything in this life!“ Those were words I have never forgotten!
I noticed that day that the contestants had different ways of staying calm. One woman was listening to an audioplay of The Lion King, The Circle of Life. Another contestant (Mrs. Dallas) approached me and said, “Let’s Pray.” She reached for my hand, and we prayed together. I felt much better after we did!
Like Rooks and Mrs. Dallas, I’ve found that praying and reading the scriptures have helped me overcome fear over the years. In trust, connecting with God offers strength in challenging times!
