I recently went one-on-one with Hazel Clark. Hazel is a three-time track & field U.S. Olympian and six-time U.S. champion.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. What is something about you that would surprise people?
Hazel: Probably the fact that I hated and avoided running until I was 16. I called it “Project Avoid Track and Field” and did every other sport under the sun besides running.
Adam: What is something that would surprise people about the life of an Olympian?
Hazel: I think people would be surprised to find out that the life of an Olympian extends far beyond the Olympics. Athletes put in work continuously for years and have a lot of really important competitions in non-Olympic years, like world championships. The other surprising thing is that Olympians in the U.S. have one opportunity to qualify for the team at the Olympic trials. It’s a high-pressure situation, and if you are having an off day or are injured and don’t compete well, you won’t make the team.
Adam: How did you get here? What failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Hazel: I was a very reluctant champion. I was able to get to where I am today through the support of my parents and coach, hard work, and definitely developing resilience. My success has come out of my ability to recover and learn from setbacks. It’s very hard to be successful without resilience.
I also struggled with debilitating performance anxiety; sometimes it was hard to get on the line and start the race. I like to say confidence follows action sometimes, and that’s okay. I remind people that being a champion doesn’t mean you don’t have fears or nerves; it means you take action anyway.
Adam: What is your most notable memory from your Olympic experience?
Hazel: It’s the little things really – walking into the opening ceremonies with my family after our historic sweep of the Olympic Games, the first time I got to eat in the cafeteria with other athletes from across the world, trading pins, all of the really special experiences Olympians have!
Adam: What are the best lessons you learned from the achievement of becoming an Olympian and from your experience competing in the Olympics?
Hazel: I have learned that your highlight reel and accolades are not what truly matters. Your ability to use your platform and experiences to help others is what really solidifies your legacy. The most rewarding part of being an Olympian has been helping young athletes grow through my camps and programs.
Adam: In your experience, what are the defining qualities of an effective leader? How can leaders and aspiring leaders take their leadership skills to the next level?
Hazel: I think that all effective leaders share a general pursuit of excellence that serves as an inspirational model for the teams they lead. They are also able to approach leadership.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to entrepreneurs, executives, and civic leaders?
Hazel: My three best applicable tips are to:
- Embrace failure. Understand that setbacks are stepping stones to success.
- Cultivate resilience. Develop the ability to bounce back from challenges.
- Lead by example. Show commitment and integrity in all your endeavors
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Hazel: To focus on progress, not perfection. Once I started doing that, it unlocked my power and helped me to advance in all areas of life.
Adam: What can anyone do to pay it forward?
Hazel: We are all champions in different ways, and I have learned that sharing our journeys – not just our highlight reel but our setbacks in a vulnerable way – is very powerful.
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Hazel: Being a champion is not limited to earning a medal or trophy. If you are able to maximize your talents and get the best of yourself and others, you are a champion. It takes courage to take the first step and commit to being your best. That is why I wrote my children’s book Hazel Takes the First Step. The book reflects on my childhood experiences navigating expectations, comparisons to my Olympian relatives, and the influence of my father, renowned educator Dr. Joe Clark.
