As Jessica Ennis prepared for the long jump in the 2012 Olympics, the crowd urged her toward success.
The familiar clapping began—slowly at first, then building to a crescendo just as she took off. This kind of support is expected in athletics finals, especially when a gold medal is on the line.
Last week, I found myself in a similar situation. But instead of an Olympic stadium, it was my local gym on a Saturday afternoon.
At the end of my workout, I walked past a trainer coaching someone through a tough challenge. Tasha was attempting a 100cm vertical jump onto a box—20cm higher than her previous best. I could see she was nervous, doubting herself.
“I can’t do this. It’s too high,” she said, shaking her head.
I knew her from the gym and stepped in to offer encouragement. “Yes, you can! You used to do long jump and high jump—you’ve got this.” Her trainer, Mitch, had spent the last hour preparing her and gave me a knowing look. We weren’t going anywhere until she tried.
Half-jokingly, I asked, “Want us to clap?” I gave a couple of supportive claps, then hesitated, not wanting to pressure her. But before I knew it, Mitch committed to it. Another person joined in. Then another. Suddenly, five people were clapping in support.
The energy shifted. What began as a personal challenge turned into a spectacle. More people turned to watch. The sound of clapping grew louder. Now, 20 people had stopped their workouts, united in this unexpected moment of support.
But the pressure also grew. Tasha hesitated. The fear of failing in front of an audience loomed. What if she didn’t make it? What if she fell? The gym, usually a place of individual focus, had transformed into a collective force of encouragement.
And then—“Okay, I’ll do it.”
A few deep breaths. A small walk-up. I felt like I had front-row seats to an Olympic final. What started as an individual effort became a communal moment of inspiration.
She jumped. She landed it!
100cm. Personal best. The gym erupted in cheers and high-fives.
It’s easy to focus on ourselves. But sometimes, stepping in to encourage someone else transforms not just their experience—but our own. Next time you see someone about to take a big leap, literally or figuratively, show your support. A clap, a high five, or a simple “you’ve got this” might be the thing that helps them succeed.
We All Need A Champion
There’s a TED Talk I always come back to: Every Kid Needs a Champion by Rita Pierson. In it, she reminds us that people—especially young people—thrive when they have someone in their corner. A mentor, a supporter, a champion.
The same is true for all of us. We need people who see our potential, who remind us of our strengths when self-doubt creeps in.
That moment in the gym with Tasha wasn’t just about a jump. It was about fear, belief, and the power of support. The fear of failure is real. It whispers that it’s easier to stay where you are, to not try, to avoid the risk of looking foolish. But champions—whether they’re a coach, a friend, or a stranger cheering from the sidelines—remind us that we can do it.
This is why community matters.
So today, I ask you: Who are you championing? Who do you believe in, even when they struggle to believe in themselves? And just as importantly—who’s championing you?
Because in a world that often tells us to go it alone, real success happens when we lift each other up.
