The US Gymnastics Team's Gold Medal Lesson for Business

Like millions worldwide, I’ve been captivated by the recent achievements of the US women’s Olympic gymnastics team. Their awe-inspiring performances and record-breaking medal haul have been truly extraordinary and inspiring to witness. But beyond the gravity-defying skills and all the medals they've won, this team has delivered a profound lesson that transcends the boundaries of sport. It’s a lesson that I believe every business leader, manager, and organization should take to heart.

A Journey Through Triumph and Turmoil

The US women’s gymnastics program is steeped in a history of remarkable victories, yet it’s also been shadowed by a deeply troubling culture of abuse and exploitation. For decades, the relentless pursuit of gold meant that gymnasts were often pushed beyond their physical and mental limits, with their wellbeing sacrificed in the name of victory. This toxic environment produced champions, but at a tremendous human cost.

The turning point came with the harrowing revelations of abuse, most notably surrounding Larry Nassar, and the courageous testimony of the survivors who brought these injustices to light. This forced the sport to confront its toxic culture, prompting a much-needed overhaul. Organizations like USA Gymnastics (USAG) and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) have since implemented new policies to prioritize athlete safety, mental health, and wellbeing, marking the beginning of a new era in gymnastics.

A Paradigm Shift: Wellbeing as a Competitive Edge

Some skeptics argued that these changes – such as the creation of the SafeSport oversight organization – would weaken the US team’s competitive edge. Fearing that a focus on wellbeing would come at the expense of performance, critics claim that SafeSport’s oversight has hindered coaches’ ability to push athletes to the heights necessary for Olympic success. This team has shattered those doubts with its performance. 

Simone Biles, now the most decorated gymnast in history, epitomized this cultural shift when she bravely stepped away from competition to prioritize her mental health—a decision that sent shockwaves through the sports world. Her return to the sport, stronger and more resilient, alongside the team’s success, has quieted the skeptics.

The US gymnastics team has embraced a more holistic approach that values rigorous training alongside rest, nutrition, and emotional support. This shift has not only safeguarded the athletes' wellbeing but has also enhanced their performance. The team's success, culminating in the highest number of gold and overall medals, proves that prioritizing health and wellbeing is not a weakness—it’s a strategic advantage.

The Business Parallel: Redefining Success Through Wellbeing

The transformation of the US women’s gymnastics team offers a powerful lesson for the business world. Many companies still cling to the outdated notion that pushing employees to their limits is the only path to peak performance. This gymnastics team's experience debunks this myth and demonstrates that success is not a zero-sum game.

When businesses prioritize employee wellbeing—by fostering a positive work culture, providing the necessary support and resources, and respecting work-life balance—they create an environment where individuals can truly thrive. Happy, healthy employees are not only more engaged and creative, but also more loyal, reducing costly turnover. This approach doesn’t just benefit employees; it drives better business outcomes.

Setting a New Gold Standard

The US women’s gymnastics team has set a new gold standard—not just in their sport, but in how we should all think about success. They’ve shown that prioritizing wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also the most effective strategy for achieving excellence. For businesses, adopting this mindset could be the key to unlocking a healthier, more productive, and more prosperous future.