I recently went one-on-one with Aimee Boorman. Aimee was the head coach of the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team at the Rio Olympic Games and coached for the Dutch Gymnastics Federation in 2021, including at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Aimee was named USA Gymnastics Coach of the Year four times and U.S. Olympic Committee Coach of the Year in 2016, and is the author of The Balance: My Years Coaching Simone Biles.
Adam: First and foremost, I’m certain readers would be delighted to learn more about you.
Aimee: By profession, I’m a gymnastics coach, judge, and mentor. In my personal life, I’m a mother of three and have been married to my husband, James, for 25 years.
Adam: How did you get here?
Aimee: I began coaching gymnastics at a young age to help cover my tuition fees. I was passionate about the sport and dreamed of spending every moment in the gym. Through continuous education, practical experience, and a bit of luck, I have now had the privilege of coaching in two Olympic Games and have had the opportunity to work with gymnasts from all over the world.
Adam: What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Aimee: My passion for sports, nurtured from my athletic days, evolved into a desire to become a coach. However, a negative experience with a coach during my youth profoundly shaped my coaching philosophy. I yearned to coach differently from the way he had coached me. He had imparted upon me all the qualities I detested in a coach. Driven by this desire, I embarked on a journey to become a holistic coach, adopting a conscious approach to ensure that my athletes felt heard and valued for who they truly are.
Adam: What do you hope readers take away from your new book?
Aimee: My hope is that each reader can extract something unique. For young coaches in any sport, I want them to realize that leading an athlete to greatness can be achieved through kindness and compassion, while simultaneously teaching them valuable lessons about self-discipline, sacrifice, and hard work. Parents of young athletes will gain insight into the potential negative consequences of excessive pressure at a young age and understand that coaches are often there to provide guidance and support to help their children reach their full potential. While it’s important to acknowledge that coaches are human and may make mistakes, sometimes it all boils down to effective communication.
Adam: What are the best lessons you have learned from your time with Simone Biles?
Aimee: Working with Simone, I definitely learned about patience. She’s incredibly gifted, but at a young age, she just wanted to have fun. So, I let her enjoy herself. I also realized that it’s crucial for children to see that someone is there to support and protect them from facing adults alone. Simone knew I was there to support and safeguard her.
Adam: What are the best lessons you learned from your Olympic experience?
Aimee: The most valuable lesson I learned was not about the actual Olympic experience, but rather about the meticulous preparation that precedes it. By dedicating months to training and honing your skills, you find yourself in a state of calm and composure when you finally arrive at the competition. This preparation makes the moment feel effortless and enjoyable, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Adam: What makes a great coach?
Aimee: A great coach is someone who can meet each athlete at their own level, both physically and in terms of their desire to excel. Some athletes simply enjoy playing the sport, and their focus is not on reaching the highest level of achievement. On the other hand, there are athletes who are highly driven and motivated to be the best. A great coach must be able to effectively balance these two types of athletes in a training program.
Adam: What do you believe are the defining qualities of an effective leader?
Aimee: To be a great leader, you must set the example. Be prepared, be positive, and motivate others to do the same. Leadership is a state of being, not just a job title.
Adam: How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Aimee: Through education, we must become lifelong learners in this ever-evolving world. As society progresses, our leadership techniques must adapt accordingly. We must cultivate empathy, surpassing our predecessors, while still upholding high standards of work. To achieve this, we must nurture our soft skills.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Aimee: First and foremost, there’s always a way to improve upon existing methods. Just because someone else has done something a certain way doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the only or best way to do it. Secondly, be authentic and follow your passion. While there may be challenges along the way, if you stay true to yourself and your interests, you’ll ultimately succeed. Thirdly, make sure to prioritize self-care. Step outside your leadership role and take a moment to reflect on the impact you’re having on others. If your actions don’t seem positive or well-received, it might be a sign that you’re not taking care of yourself, and this can negatively affect the people who follow you.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Aimee: I must admit that I haven’t ever received any life-changing advice; however, I do believe that I’ve offered some valuable guidance to others. One of my favorite pieces of advice is that you’re not responsible for meeting anyone else’s expectations of you. You’re only responsible for the expectations you set for yourself.
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Aimee: Find a profession that brings you joy. I enjoy my work, which makes each day a pleasure
