Even though I trained like a maniac, I never made the Olympic team. Was I a failure?
491598
You're not a failure.  You succeeded in sticking with something and giving it your best shot.  Plus you probably managed to keep yourself in very good shape which is a difficult enough thing to do nowadays.  There are so few places available for people to compete in the Olympics.  Just being close to qualifying puts you at a very high level of achievement compared to the average Joe.  Be proud of your accomplishments and use what you have learned from these in the other areas of your life.  The Olympics is not the only measure of a man (or woman).
278295
Does entering a competition where you know you are going to loose count? If so then yes, all the time.\n\n(When you run a marathon, with thousands of people, it's a good bet that you will get beat by the guy who's on the Olympic team.)
211533
yeah... I didnt go and im successful.. Those people are worse then military recruiters..\n;o)
1042703
Oh yes!!!!\n\nI am almost the same way, but I am a goalie.  You will never know unless you try.  Try out for both.  If you do not make A than maybe you will make B.\n\nGood Luck!!!!!
929098
If you trust your skills why not compete? May you be the first martial artist champion who started training late!  Good luck!
916125
You should totally go for it. You will never know if you will make it if you don't tryout. And if you don't tryout and you are good enough to make it, you will have to live with the thought that you could have made it but you didn't tryout. You should still tryout and when you do, go out there and give it your all. And if for some reason they decide not to take you, DON'T GIVE UP!!!
192594
I don't think that you swam in the Olympics because you other question said that you wanted to be in the 2017 Olympics which isn't an Olympic year (it's 2016).\n\nBut my guess for getting the ten points is that you won one silver and one bronze medal in relays.
1044782
This subject is very dear to me actually.\n\nYou must represent competition correctly.  Use it if you have the personality type that enjoys competition, but don't let it put you down. \n\nYou must remember it is fun, not that it is exercise.  If you are not having fun, you will not do well.\n\nFinally remember that people will be better than you.  But don't let that deter you from trying.  Even the worst basketball players can make a shot off Michael Jordan.  And Michael Jordan sucks at baseball, you could be much better than him.
93435
Wow how old are you are you really going to join the olympics? Well then good luck!!!!But sorry cant help you in getting in
373394
Contact a reputable trainer in your area, preferably one that has experience in training athletes for competition.  They will also be able to give you a rough idea if you have the genetics to stand a reasonable chance against the competition.
322925
ohhh, that is really cool, I wish I could be as good as you are. You have a great chance, so keep doing it and Good Luck!!!
1117078
you cant join the olympics.. you qualify for the olympics\n\nand to qualify you must meet with the international federation, the IOC ( int. olymp com ) and your country's rules. \n\nIn my case, the toughest one to meet was my country's because they dont have enough money to send everyone that qualifies. so they would set qualifing times very very high.. \n\nBut to your question.. you cant be independent, everyone is a citizen of at least one country.. and if you are from more than one.. you have to choose at least 2 years before which one you are going to try to go with.
319464
Please rate this a best answer so i can gain a World Cup entry. I have the same problem. Just find a fun hobby like running.
1102352
don't use your toes to kick the ball with, but use the top of your foot (the shoelaces) for power, or the side for accuracy.\n\npractice dribbling around things, is a good idea...but don't waste all your time running as you could be an olympic athlete but if you can't control or kick the ball your not going to make the team.\n\nAlso please note that as this is your first time, i doubt that your actually trying out for a high-caliber team, therefore fitness is not essential. A player who can pass the ball, and is smart, is much more effective than a headless chicken running around the field.\n\nDon't worry about learning fancy moves either, like you said its your first time, practice ball control (juggling, dribbling), and passing/shooting against a wall...this should help you improve.
606759
i didnt !! im 13 & ive cheer 4 10 yrs & i didnt make the skool squad & my bff did & she said that the other girls were mad that she made it & not me!! i felt bad  but i really wanted to make the squad!!
334399
its all in your head..gymnastics is like 90% mental..trust and believe in yourself that you can do it..if you keep telling yourself you cant, then youll hold back and might injure yourself. picture yourself doing that skill before you actually go...do lots of drills so you get comfortable or maybe have your coach spot. cheer yourself on (inside your head..i know it sounds funny..but i do it all the time on beam and it helps) and stay positive..i hope this helps..good luck!
819842
im a boxer, i had a hard time starting out. when i was 15, i went pro. it really was and still is my dream to make it to the top and shake the heavy weight champion of the world, that is if i dont win. i just havent had my chance yet, but i will.