Setbacks and Success

I recently went one on one with Olympic track and field high jumper Priscilla Frederick Loomis. Priscilla represented in the Antigua and Barbuda in the 2016 Summer Games and is training for the upcoming Summer Olympics.

Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your story and your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. What is something about you that would surprise people? 

Priscilla: Thank You so much for having me, it's a pleasure. What a lot of people get the most surprised about is that I'm a HUGE nerd for Marvel and Star Wars and I hope to be a stunt double in a Marvel film within the next three years! I want to attend a stunt school and then audition for a few Disney/Marvel films! 

Adam: Looking back, what is your sharpest or most significant memory from your Olympic experience? 

Priscilla: My most significant memory from the Olympics was right after the opening ceremony, receiving so much positive feedback for my hair. It sounds a little corny but I was so nervous at first debuting it. It was the moment where you show the world exactly who you are and feeling comfortable in my own skin and to receive so much love and support was really amazing. It felt wonderful to carry the Antigua and Barbuda Flag with a confident attitude and purple hair.

Adam: What is something that would surprise people about the life of an Olympian? 

Priscilla: To be very brutally honest, the title Olympian is grander than the journey that leads you to the Olympics. When I finally got the Olympics, I was physically and mentally exhausted. I had trained 8 years to be there, sacrificed relationships, time, energy, all my finances, etc. So getting to the Olympics was just one part of the puzzle, which I honestly did wrong. I never thought about winning an Olympic medal, it took EVERYTHING I had just to get myself to the Olympics. Once I got there, I was so mentally and physically strained because I thought, "Wow, now I have to compete like I am going to win a medal so I don't let anyone and myself down" which put massive pressure on myself. So when most people see Olympians, they see hard work, athleticism and dedication but the price is so much higher because every toll towards the Games, is everything you have. 

Adam: How did you get here? What failures, setbacks or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth? 

Priscilla: I got where I am today through failure, hurtful honesty, sacrifice, tears, failed relationships, empty bank accounts, mental breakdowns, doctors, incredible coaches, family and friends, and a laser focus to prove to myself and my country of Antigua and Barbuda that I'm worth it. 

From the previous question, people know it's tough to be an Olympian but they don't see the daily struggles; what stinks is that there are more athletes trying to make it than have "made it." In my case, I am an unsigned, 31 year old high jumper with a vision to win an Olympic Medal in 2021. You have to bet on yourself and your dedication to the sport each and everyday. All those "setbacks" I mentioned before is why I am here, why I am stronger than I ever thought I could be, why I have come so far and why I am able to manage so much. I am not waiting for someone to give me an opportunity because I know I can work harder and create opportunities for myself. I used to throw pity parties for myself and amazing people would metaphorically "slap me in the face" and say make it work, figure it out. I'm blessed by all my failures and struggles because it means I am closer to my goal, my win. 

Adam: What are the best lessons you learned from the achievement of becoming an Olympian? 

Priscilla: The best lessons I have learned as an Olympian is 1) To make a way no matter the circumstances, where you are in life. No matter how the situation may seem, you can always make it happen for yourself. 2) "Failures" are the building blocks to success. I always believed if you are willing to fail 10,000 times to get to your goal, you'll succeed. 3) Patience. Focus on day to day accomplishments. The big WIN will come with day to day efforts. I use the methodology of Hot Pocket vs Filet Mignon. Hot Pocket is microwaved, the quick and easy way filled with salt and preservatives. Filet Mignon is cared for, nurtured, good ingredients, well thought through and cooked to perfection. No patience = Hot Pocket vs. Patience = Filet Mignon. 

Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level? 

Priscilla: When it comes to leadership, you have to be willing to meet your group where they are. Leaders should not believe they are better than anyone. The ultimate goal of a leader is to be successful and to have those following you be inspired, trust in you and then learn to be a leader because of the tools and traits you exemplified. To sharpen those skills, it's very necessary to keep learning and put yourself in different shoes. Ask who am I leading, whats my background in, what would be effective in this situation, how can I make sure this group feels comfortable and appreciated. 

Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives and civic leaders? 

Priscilla: Have compassion for yourself (be kind to yourself ), be fearless and surround yourself with people who want you to grow and do better and apply that same rule to their own lives. 

Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received? 

Priscilla: There is no single key to success, no secret cheat sheet. Everything you need to succeed is in between your ears, your mental focus and self-ambition.

Adam: What are your hobbies and how have they shaped you as a leader? 

Priscilla: My hobbies are trying new things and challenging myself a bit like cooking, reading to better myself, surfing, swimming and of course Netflix and Disney+, allowing myself to indulge and take a break with some good old fashion comedies/romcoms!

Adam: What is one thing everyone should be doing to pay it forward? 

Priscilla: Being kind to every person they interact with. Buying the person in front of you coffee, saying “good morning” and “thank you,” holding the door for people, bringing back the cart at your grocery store or Target (yes, I love Target…). Being a good person and showing people love everyday is a great start to paying it forward.