6 Lessons we’re taking away from the Paris games

It’s been a long time since the Olympics has garnered as many headlines as the Paris games. Whether it was fangirling over Simone Biles’s triumphs or the joy of discovering a new sports hero, there’s been plenty to cheer about in the US.

There’s also been some interesting lessons, from record-breaking wins to heartbreaking losses to at least one very awkward fail.

Like many right now, we’re busy preparing for peak seasonal hiring and also keeping an eye on a very unusual labor market. That doesn’t mean we’re going to miss the opportunity to have a little fun and learn from those at the top of their game.

Create space for your specialists to succeed

Stephen Nedoroscik took over social media feeds as the “Pommel Horse Guy.” He first caught the internet’s attention for appearing to take a nap during competition – and giving off Clark Kent vibes before jumping into action. As the only US gymnast who competes on a single apparatus, Nedoroscik is an unusual addition to the team.  That specialty helped the men’s team earn a bronze medal and Nedoroscik one on his own.

Long-term success takes long-term commitment

Olympian Katie Ledecky has not lost a race in 1500m freestyle in 14 years. In these Olympic games, Ledecky finished 10 seconds ahead of her next competitor, putting her on the way to becoming the most decorated female athlete in history. It’s already impressive, but don’t forget Ledecky has made it clear she’s planning on appearing in the next Olympics in L.A.

It’s not bragging if you have the hardware to back it up

Simone Biles owns a diamond goat necklace. With 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals under her belt, it’s hard to dispute if one of history’s most dominant gymnasts has earned the moniker of GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). When asked about the pendant, she said, “The haters hate it, so I love that even more. It’s just a special part of me that I have here…Just to get a reminder. Like: ‘You can go out there, you can do it. You’ve done it before. So let’s go.’”

It’s not over until it’s over

Starting the day in sixth place is not usually the start of a gold-medal story, especially in golf. Scottie Scheffler was four shots behind the leaders in this year’s golf competition. However, in one day, the American knocked out six birdies in the back nine and pulled ahead into an unexpected comeback and a gold medal.

The setbacks make for greater triumphs

Two of the world’s fastest track stars have both been honest about the obstacles they’ve overcome on their path to the podium.  After being suspended from the USA Track and Field team for THC before the Tokyo games, Sha’Carri Richardson made her Olympic debut in Paris, taking home silver in women’s 100m. When she spoke to Vogue, she gave them her mantra from the past year, “I’m not back, I’m better.”

Then after Noah Lyle took home gold in the men’s event, he posted the message on X: “I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!”

Camaraderie should take center stage more often

Whether it was Ledecky sharing the top spot with her US teammate Paige Madden, Biles and Jordan Chiles bowing down to gold medal-winning Rebeca Andrade, or all of the selfies taken from the podium, these games have been all about celebrating success – no matter whose team you’re on.

Be ready to catch the next wave

The chill vibes of French Polynesia are part of competitive surfing’s charm, but it only takes a few video highlights to see that these surfers are some of the world’s top athletes.

Timing is critical in surfing – and it turns out in staffing as well.

At Adecco, we know how critical it is to bring the right talent on board at the right moment. However, in today’s uncertain markets, knowing what will come next is – well – a lot like predicting the next wave.

Fortunately, we’re used to these kinds of waters. We use market research, national reports, and our own experience to adapt to changing labor and industry demands.

Contact us today to talk about how we can help build a flexible staffing solution – or just to talk about that American upset during the 1500m final.