Discover an identity bigger than what you do.
She captivated the attention of audiences all over the world at the Tokyo Olympics, when in between her jumping attempts, she was scribbled in a small coloured notebook. Her tangible joy and passion translated through TV screens to showcase a person bigger than her performance. Nicola Olyslagers (neé McDermott) has since then, been highlighted in the athletics sphere as an unforgettable woman in her approach to her craft and life.
Nicola grew up on the Central Coast of NSW, where she began her athletics career in high jump. 2 decades later she is still training in the same field, with a wealth of knowledge in the areas of consistency and innovation. Her progression in sport has seen a steady increase year by year, which has led her to become one of the most successful field athletes in Australian history.
Her heart of reaching high performing athletes to know their identity and value outside of their performance, led her to establish and direct a NFP Everlasting Crowns Ltd. As an athlete reaching out to other athletes, her leadership and intentionality has transformed culture internationally. This has given her a greater purpose to remain in the sport, whilst spurring on other high-profile athletes to use their platform to create the change they want to be a part of.
Nicola has a Bachelor Degree of Science, Majoring in Biochemistry from the University of Sydney. Along with her husband Nicola has been an itinerant preacher across the world. She enjoys playing piano, cooking with her family and going for walks with friends.
Talking Points
What an Olympic Medal Takes
As an 8 year old, Nicola wrote a poem of her dream of competing at the Olympics.16 years later, she broke the 2-metre barrier, and became the second woman in Australian history to medal at an Olympic Games in High Jump in 57 years. The achievements to reach the highest level over years of persistence came from a heart posture as much as a training routine.What an Olympic Medal Takes
Key Takeaways:
-Gain exclusive insight into Nicola’s journal process and story
- Incorporate reflective strategies in personal life to build consistency of work ethic and character
- Understand the process and mindset of pursuing long-term goals
Overcoming Fear
In a sport where mindset and execution outweigh physical conditioning, Nicola discusses her journey of overcoming fear which has led her to reach the highest level of her sport. This personal process extended past her training environment, as she discovered multiple areas of her life were vastly impacted once fear no longer had a hold on her.Overcoming Fear
Key Takeaways:
- Opportunities to identify areas of walls and barriers linked to fear
- Reignite dreams and goals from practical tools to overcome anxiety around performance
- Inspiration to find current opportunities to build a courageous mindset within the workplace
Identity & Purpose
The biggest breakthrough in Nicola’s career was when she discovered her identity outside of her sport. Knowing who she is separate to what she does, has created a firm anchor in the everchanging rollercoaster of high-performance sport. Nicola shares her freedom that has allowed her to remain authentic, consistent and unintimidated in her rise of success.Identity & Purpose
In a culture where the purpose and value of a person is often wrapped up in what they do, there are clear limitations on the risk and strategy of a business if it is linked to their worth. Nicola explains the heart and value of each person outside of their job role.
Key Takeaways:
-Awareness of the value and need to have an identity outside of the work place
- Inspiration to discover life-long purpose to build motivation and passion in all areas of life
Faith Moves Mountains
Nicola is known as equally for her high jump as she is for her faith on a global stage. Over the years she experienced the trials and triumph of holding onto her relationship with God in the rise of success. Nicola shares the ‘mountains’ she faced and the transformation that was built when all she had was faith to lean into.Faith Moves Mountains
Her story of walking out a unique calling and mission within a sporting sphere has paved a path for the next generation to thrive wherever they are planted.
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Paris Olympics
