MindStrong

#152 - Roger Black | Surround Yourself with People Better than You

Apr 4, 2023

Former athlete Roger Black discusses excelling in athletics, benefits of competing with the best, role mentors play in success, understanding parent-athlete relationship, qualities of a great mentor, facing failure, finding motivation, embracing self-discovery, and not being complacent in sports.

01:01:20

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Episode guests

Roger Black

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Starting late in a sport or career can have advantages, allowing for exploration and discovery of talent.

Running your own race and prioritizing personal growth and performance over outcomes leads to greater motivation and fulfillment.

Surrounding oneself with individuals who are faster or more skilled pushes individuals to exceed their limits and achieve personal growth.

Deep dives

Starting late can be a good thing

Starting late in a sport or career can have its advantages. The guest, Roger Black, did not take up athletics seriously until he left school at 18. While some athletes start training from a very young age, starting later allowed Roger to have the freedom to explore various sports and hobbies without the pressure of high expectations. It also gave him the chance to develop a passion for running and discover his talent.

Introduction

3min

Early Days and Passion for Running

4min

Entering the Sports World at 18: Challenges and Advantages

2min

The Importance of Parental Involvement in Athletic Success

12min

The Power of Pivotal Decisions and Surrounding Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals

2min

Sports as a Team Sport

12min

The Importance of Surrounding Yourself with Those Who Have Experienced Failure

22min

Recognizing the Ups and Downs and Finding Inspiration

3min

Roger Black is a former athlete who competed internationally for Great Britain and England. During his athletics career, he won individual silver medals in the 400 meters sprint at both the Olympic Games and World Championships, two individual gold medals at the European Championships, and 4 × 400 metres relay gold medals at both the World and European Championships.

In today’s episode, Lewis and Roger discuss what it takes to excel in athletics, the benefits of competing with the very best in your field, and the role mentors play in an athlete’s success.

[00:00] Roger’s Journey to Professional Athletics

[04:24] Getting Into Professional Sports at 18

[06:07] How Late Is Too Late for a Kid to Get Into Sports?

[09:34] The Golden Era of British Athletics

[11:45] Healthy Expectations For Young Athletes

[15:32] Understanding the Parent-Athlete Relationship

[18:31] The Value of Having a Seasoned Confidant in Your Life

[22:08] Roger’s Heart Condition

[25:20] Qualities of a Great Mentor

[31:05] The Best Type of MentorYou’ll Ever Have

[34:12] Roger’s Experience Racing Michael Johnson

[39:27] Finding Motivation as an Athlete