EKAITZ SAIES

The twelve Men’s K4 500m medalists at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games were sitting down, waiting to be called to the podium. The race had been electrifying, a showcase of guts, determination, and drama. Our crew led for much of the event, setting a powerful pace, but in the final stretch, Germany and Australia surged forward, turning the race into an intense three-way battle for gold. Ultimately, the Germans successfully defended their Olympic title, securing gold in a nail-biting finish. It took a while for the photo finish review to determine the winner, with Germany narrowly beating Australia by just 0.04 seconds. Australia claimed silver, while Spain took bronze.

I was standing beside our athletes, accompanied by the communications director of the Spanish Olympic Committee. Dressed sharply in their podium tracksuits, they looked every bit the champions they are. Yet, their expressions revealed a blend of exhaustion and quiet disappointment — for coming so close to gold but falling just short.

Looking at them, I felt compelled to remind them of their responsibility as role models. I said, “Even though you’re gutted about missing gold, you need to show a big smile out there. How you project yourselves is how our people will feel. If you look frustrated, they’ll feel frustrated. But if you look proud and satisfied, that’s how they’ll feel too.”

Of course, I knew that even without my words, these seasoned athletes would step onto the podium with grace and professionalism. Still, as their team leader, it was my responsibility to ensure they presented the right attitude—not just for themselves but for everyone watching.

These four athletes raced fearlessly, believed in their abilities, and gave everything they had. As they stood on the podium, the applause of the Spanish crowd resounded with pride.

As coaches or team leaders, we hold a unique and profound influence over our athletes. Every action we take, every word we speak, and even the unspoken gestures we make are observed closely by the individuals we guide. Whether we realize it or not, our behaviors become a blueprint for our athletes to follow, shaping not only their performance but also their attitudes, values, and emotional resilience.

This influence extends beyond intentional coaching moments. The personal emotions we fail to manage spill over, affecting not just ourselves but also those around us. As leaders, our moods and reactions ripple through the team, creating either a constructive or destructive environment. The key to fostering a positive influence lies squarely in our hands.

While we cannot control the circumstances life throws at us, we have full control over how we respond to them. It’s about embracing challenges with discipline and courage, viewing setbacks as opportunities to grow stronger, and maintaining a steady focus on protecting and uplifting our team. This perspective doesn’t just shape us into better individuals—it sets a powerful example for our athletes to follow.

Leadership is not defined by rank or title. True leadership is about responsibility—taking ownership of your team’s successes, failures, and well-being. As coaches, we are the emotional barometers for our athletes. Our ability to regulate and manage our emotions directly impacts the team’s dynamics, trust, and performance.

Managing emotions requires deliberate effort. It’s not a passive process but an active practice rooted in self-discipline and courage. It involves recognizing our triggers, understanding the impact of our reactions, and choosing responses that foster growth rather than conflict. This emotional discipline enables us to build stronger relationships with our athletes, creating a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration.

Effective emotional management isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower for coaches. By mastering our emotions, we gain clarity and resilience, even in the face of adversity. More importantly, we set a standard for our athletes, showing them that emotional strength is just as important as physical strength.

When we model emotional discipline, we teach our athletes how to remain composed under pressure, handle setbacks with grace, and approach challenges with determination. These are life skills that extend far beyond the field or course, shaping them into confident, resilient individuals.

Coaching with emotional intelligence requires courage—the courage to self-reflect, to admit when we fall short, and to continuously strive for growth. It’s about showing up for our athletes every day, even when life throws us curveballs. It’s about making intentional choices that inspire, uplift, and empower those we lead.

Remember, as a coach or a team leader, your influence is your legacy. By managing your emotions with discipline and courage, you not only elevate your own leadership but also create a positive, lasting impact on the lives of your athletes. And that, ultimately, is what true coaching is all about.