“Wilhemus?”

The Olympic Games. Wonderful. We’re rightly proud! “Our” top performances command respect. Dutch sentiment only serves to further fuel the romance of elite sports. “Our” basketball players, track and field athletes, rowers, track cyclists, field hockey players, …, will keep us on the edge of our seats until next Sunday. They were there, in keeping with the Olympic spirit. And so were we!

Top athletes—both winners and losers—do absolutely everything for their sport. To compete at the highest possible level, they usually have a small army of family members and partners standing by to handle everything else. Full focus on the top, with reliable coaches for both physical and mental training.

Sports federations also help make elite sports possible. And Papendal and initiatives such as Topsport Amsterdam provide support through organization and resources. Finally, sponsors provide sponsorship, although this is usually limited to the winners. Everything is geared toward supporting the top athletes—hopefully. Because the real work—persevering through many deep lows—is a grueling battle waged by the athletes themselves, whether individually or as a team. Everything has to fall into place, even under intense pressure.

When we look at the Dutch medal tally^(*1), we see both successes and disappointments. While track and field and rowing are thriving, judo, handball, and volleyball are falling short. Luck—or lack thereof? It certainly plays a role. But a more fundamental analysis reveals many more factors: organization, facilities, policy, people, …, and, of course, resources. And those are scarce. And, by definition, unevenly distributed; as a small nation in sports, we obviously cannot excel in everything. Success starts with choosing.

In parallel to us as viewers and admirers: what are you all about? What is your field / your greatest achievement in the making? What are you willing to do “anything” for—and what are you willing to give up? What do you want to master, and for what do you want to claim support, funding, and resources? Development as an end in itself. Become the best! Choose, because being the best at everything… that’s nothing. If the national anthem ever plays for you, for which profession, role, discipline, field, position, or achievement will it be?

The question“What are you all about?” also applies to our organizations. What do you want to be the best at? It’s a choice that encompasses everything—the organization, the people, and the resources. Suppose, as a hospital, you wanted to be the best in oncology, gynecology, geriatrics, dermatology, internal medicine, ENT, rheumatology, urology, surgery, cardiology, …? It’s not possible to be the best in the Netherlands at everything—you have to choose^(*2)! This applies to all organizations.

The question“What are you known for?” applies to our country as well. What do we want to excel at: agriculture, industry, wind energy, water, food, AI, robotics, …? A combination is possible—bringing these elements together. But being a champion in everything? No, as a country, we’re too small for that.

I have great respect for the achievements of the Dutch team. We still have a few more days to admire “our” top athletes. After the vacation, we’ll get back to work. What will your Olympic achievement be? In which sport will the “Wilhelmus” be played for you or your team someday?

Have fun…

^(*1) As of this writing, “we” in the Netherlands are still waiting to see how things play out on the hockey fields (men’s and women’s finals), in track and field (10K, marathon), water polo, and more. Let’s hope for the best.

^(*2) In integrative medicine, it is precisely the connection between the many disciplines that matters. You can become the best in the country in that field, too