Cleveland Magazine’s Post

Friday Chat w/ Vlad Hey, it’s Vlad. As many of you probably are aware, the olympics are in full swing, which got me thinking…why can’t foxes be in the olympics?? I mean foxes are insanely athletic, we are clever, competitive and patriotic. Just as a comparison the fastest human to ever live, Usain Bolt, has a top speed of just over 27 mph. Your average red fox can run a least 30 mph. We would be unbeatable. I checked the international olympic committee rule book and nothing in there specifically said competitors could not be a fox. This may be an over site on their part, but I think we can ride that loophole all the way to Olympic glory. As further proof that this is meant to be, the next summer olympics are quite serendipitously in Los Angeles. This location would be very accessible for us. So I feel comfortable making it official, the foxes of JABCECC will be trying out for the 2028 Olympic games. I did see there will be a few new sports at the 28 games. These are reported to be squash, flag football, baseball, cricket and lacrosse. I am going to suggest a few more that would really play to our strengths. Yuri for instance, would be an instant favorite to take gold in a competitive eating competition. A few month back when we were watching the Nathan’s hotdog eating contest and Sergei asked him if he thought he could do that, Yuri just said “hold my bearclaw” and proceeded to down a bunch of franks left over from our last training session. I have oh so many talents but I truly excel at chewing on rolled up firehoses. I can’t image another athlete exists, in all of the world, that could best me in this competition. Of course all of us would likely qualify for, and medal in, a find a mouse under three feet of snow competition. I can just imagine the other athletes, from around the globe, noses pressed firmly against the snow, with nary a clue as to the location of the elusive little rodent, while team USA, represented by the foxes of JABCECC, puts points on the scoreboard using our keen sense of hearing and smell in addition to our secret weapon…finding hidden object using the earths magnetic field. It will truly be a glorious day for the USA as well as foxes everywhere seeing us on the medal stand, sweeping the competition, gold, silver and bronze. Of course we all know who will be at the top of the stand. Vlad out #chatwvlad #foxes #2028olympics #trending #goldforvlad

This article beautifully captures why athletes play the game. Every time an athlete takes to the field or pool, they risk the prospect of losing. In this moment, much is learned as it encapsultes this is a chosen endeavor; one which leads the athlete to understand “it will hurt exactly as much as it is worth.” Personal betterment comes from what we learn in these moments of defeat. As uncomfortable as it can be, losing teaches personal growth and the resolve to get up and do it even better again.

Read the Spring 2024 edition of SportsTravel! This issue offers a preview of the Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games in Paris, plus in depth looks at the growth of volleyball, new venues to watch in 2024, a preview of the NFL Draft, a look at college basketball in Las Vegas and a Q&A with the new CEO at Ironman Group, among other topics. Included in this issue: Ready to Shine The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the first in years where spectators will be in attendance. But that isn’t the only story worth watching during what should be a summer to remember. SportsTravel Road Trip The 10th edition of the SportsTravel Road Trip was staged in Colorado Springs, with sessions on economic impact, sports diplomacy and DEIA initiatives. Volleyball Growth The fastest-growing female high school and college sport by participation is volleyball. And new leagues and investment are making pro careers a possibility. New Venues A roundup of the newest sports venues coming online across the United States in 2024. NFL Draft Detroit is on the clock for the NFL Draft. Learn how the city is preparing for its moment in the spotlight. Filling a Basketball Void The implosion of the Pac-12 has left opportunities in Las Vegas, where several collegiate conferences hold championship games and are looking to the future. Q&A: Scott DeRue Scott DeRue, the new CEO at Ironman Group, discusses the event series’ future and why he’s bullish on mass participation events. Sweet Caroline Have you heard this song at sporting events? Of course you have. Bob Latham explains why that really shouldn’t be the case. Bid Bowl A listing of the latest events seeking host cities for future editions. Click here to access the digital edition https://lnkd.in/eRhg4GsN

Playing competitive sports is a fantastic training ground for #growthmindset, #grit, and #agency. Going to #college is also the same. Winning in sports takes tremendous hard work to overcome numerous setbacks and failures. Completing a college degree is no different. Success in both goes beyond mastering the knowledge and skills of the game or classroom subject; it is about strengthening a mindset to help you succeed on your chosen path. Highlights from the video: In tennis, perfection is impossible. In the 1,526 singles matches I [Roger Federer] played in my career, I won almost 80% of those matches. What percentage of points do you think I won in those matches? Only 54%. In other words, even top-ranked tennis players win barely more than half the points they play. When you lose every second point on average, you learn not to dwell on every shot. You teach yourself to think, "Okay, I double-faulted. It's only a point." "Okay, I came to the net and got passed again; it's only a point." Even a great shot, an overhead backhand smash that ends up on ESPN's top 10 playlist, that, too, is just a point. So here's why I'm telling you this. When you're playing a point, it has to be the most important thing in the world, and it is. But when it's behind you, it's behind you. This mindset is crucial because it frees you to fully commit to the next point and the next one after that with intensity, clarity, and focus. The truth is, whatever game you play in life, sometimes, you're going to lose a point, a match, a season, a job. It's a rollercoaster with many ups and downs, and it's natural when you're down to doubt yourself and feel sorry for yourself. And by the way, your opponents have self-doubt, too. Don't ever forget that. Negative energy is wasted energy. You want to become a master at overcoming hard moments. That is, to me, the sign of a champion, the best in the world and not the best, because they win every point. It's because they know they'll lose again and again and have learned how to deal with it. You accept it, cry it out if you need to, and then force a smile. You move on, be relentless, adapt, and grow. Work harder, work smarter. Remember, work smarter.

Here's a draft LinkedIn post from the perspective of an industry expert: --- 🏀 Olympic Upset Alert: Germany Shocks Greece in Basketball 🇩🇪🇬🇷 As a long-time observer of international basketball, I'm thrilled to share my thoughts on Germany's stunning 76-63 victory over Greece at the Paris Olympics. This upset has significant implications for the sport and the Olympic tournament. Key Takeaways: 1. Defensive Mastery: Germany's ability to hold Greece, a traditional basketball powerhouse, to just 63 points showcases the growing emphasis on defense in international play. This trend is reshaping how teams approach major tournaments. 2. Balanced Offense: The German team's collaborative scoring effort reflects a shift away from star-centric play, emphasizing team cohesion and adaptability. 3. Emerging Talent: Maodo Lo's leadership highlights the rise of new stars on the global stage, potentially influencing future NBA scouting and international player development. 4. Competitive Parity: This upset demonstrates the increasing competitiveness in international basketball, challenging the dominance of traditional powerhouses. Industry Implications: - For coaches: This game underscores the importance of adaptable strategies and strong defensive schemes in tournament play. - For talent scouts: It's time to widen the net. Emerging basketball nations are producing high-caliber players capable of competing at the highest level. - For sports marketers: This upset creates new narratives and potential stars to follow, opening up fresh marketing opportunities. The landscape of international basketball is evolving rapidly. As professionals in the sports industry, we must stay attuned to these shifts and their potential impact on player development, coaching strategies, and global basketball business. What's your take on this upset? How do you see it influencing the future of international basketball? #OlympicBasketball #SportsIndustry #InternationalSports #BasketballDevelopment --- Call to Action: Let's continue this discussion! Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you're interested in a deeper dive into the changing dynamics of international basketball, feel free to connect with me for a more in-depth conversation.

SportsTravel Magazine's Spring 2024 Digital Edition is here! INSIDE THIS ISSUE 📰 The Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games are around the corner. In this issue, get a preview of what’s in store and the story lines to watch Ready to Shine🥇🥈🥉 The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the first in years where spectators will be in attendance. But that isn’t the only story worth watching during what should be a summer to remember. SportsTravel Road Trip 🚗 The 10th edition of the SportsTravel Road Trip was staged in Colorado Springs, with sessions on economic impact, sports diplomacy and DEIA initiatives. Volleyball Growth 🏐 The fastest-growing female high school and college sport by participation is volleyball. And new leagues and investment are making pro careers a possibility. New Venues 🏟️ A roundup of the newest sports venues coming online across the United States in 2024. NFL Draft 🏈 Detroit is on the clock for the NFL Draft. Learn how the city is preparing for its moment in the spotlight. Filling a Basketball Void 🏀 The implosion of the Pac-12 has left opportunities in Las Vegas, where several collegiate conferences hold championship games and are looking to the future. Q&A 🏋️ Scott DeRue, the new CEO at Ironman Group, discusses the event series’ future and why he’s bullish on mass participation events. Sweet Caroline 🎵 Have you heard this song at sporting events? Of course you have. Bob Latham explains why that really shouldn’t be the case. Bid Bowl ↕️ A listing of the latest events seeking host cities for future editions. #sportstravel #sportstourism #sportsindustry

Part time fan, ascending and descending, and grace. Every four years, I get turned into a sports fan for two exhilarating weeks. The Olympics have this magical effect, drawing people from all walks of life to watch athletes perform awe-inspiring feats and embody the indomitable human spirit. During these two weeks, champions defend their titles, new stars are born, new records are set, and streaks are broken. When winners emerge, they may not necessarily be the best of all time. They may be the best in that fleeting moment witnessed by millions. This reminds us that leadership and greatness (sporting or otherwise) are often about being at the right time, place, condition and preparation to seize the moment. Yet, for some, the victory is temporary. For others, it can become a lasting legacy. While some records and streaks can endure for years, even the most prolific champions must remember that their time at the top is finite. Those who stay at the top for a long time must remember that they will come down eventually. For those who just reached the peak, it is worth considering that they may stay up there shorter than imagined. The grace they all exhibit when they initially ascend or eventually descend sets them apart from the rest. In these quadrennial games, may we be reminded of the three values of Olympism: excellence, respect and friendship. Image: REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

Leadership

🏈Did everyone see the big news from last year?! 🏈 Flag football is sprinting onto the global stage at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles! This isn’t just a win for the sport; it’s MASSIVE for kids everywhere. Why is this such a game-changer? Flag football is the perfect blend of fun and fitness for kids. It's a non-contact sport, which means it's safer while still teaching teamwork, strategy, and agility. It’s welcoming, exciting, and inclusive. Plus, it gets kids moving and away from screens, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. (Huge for the TikTok Generation 😜) The Olympic spotlight will inspire young athletes globally to grab their flags and join the game. Here’s to flag football making waves and creating a buzz in every playground and backyard! 🏅 🗞️ : https://lnkd.in/gK-2UdAd #flagfootball #recreation #rec #Sports #sportsandrecreation #coaching #olympics #football #sporting #recreationwork #sportsmarketing

Who was stuck to the television the last two weeks watching Wimbledon? 🎾 Taylor Fritz’s triumphant five set win over Alexander Zverev. Rising star, Emma Navarro’s unbelievable victories over Naomi Osaka and #2 seed, Coco Gauff.  For me, summer grand slams are appointment viewing. I love waking up every morning,  turning on the TV, and watching matches day-after-day while listening to my favorite voices - Johnny Mac and his brother Patrick, Chris Evert, Mary Joe Fernandez, Nick Kyrgios, Brad Gilbert, and Chris Fowler  - talk us through it all. Playing tennis was a job for me in the first half of my life. I played competitively in the state and nation, and ultimately through college.  It was a job and it wasn’t until I hit real adulthood did I realize how much the sport teaches you about yourself. The most underrated part about tennis is the mental toughness it takes to win. You can go out and crank forehands and backhands all day long, but it’s not about that. When you watch these champions, you see something different. You see it all over their faces, in their eyes, their body language, the way they carry themselves. They’re mentally strong. 💪 Wanna get inspired? Watch what happens when they make unforced errors and how they react. They don’t beat themselves up and put themselves down. THAT’s winning. When they double fault and shake it off and don’t talk negatively to themselves, that’s WINNING. When they hear the crowd rooting for their opponent and block it out, THAT’S WINNING. 🏆 I’ve never been more proud and grateful to be a tennis player. It has given me so much in this life. The biggest gift: the lesson of the mind. Next time you go out there and hit the ball or you make a dumb mistake at work or do something you’re not proud of, remember this: MENTAL TOUGHNESS. #resilience #mindset #mentalstrength #mentaltoughness #attitude