Gulshan Shaikh
In three days, my journey to Paris, France for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics begins. It feels surreal, considering I’ve been preparing since winter and spring, all the way through to summer, ever since I first learned about the opportunity through George Washington University at the beginning of the year. As a student in the School of Business at GW, I eagerly seized the chance to attend this incredible world event, especially since it’s taking place in my dream city of Paris!
As I anticipate my trip, I find myself reflecting on the mindset of the athletes making their way to the Olympics right now. In my preparations, I even wrote a research paper on how Artificial Intelligence could enhance athletes’ performance, training, and coaching at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. With each passing day closer to my departure from the U.S. to France, I’m immersing myself more deeply in the emotional aspects of sports training, preparation, and the pressure of performance—alongside the inevitable nerves. Understanding the profound impact of mental and emotional states on athletes’ performance has been eye-opening for me as a health tech entrepreneur. This firsthand experience at the Paris Olympics will be invaluable in bridging the gap between technology and human performance.
Regarding the games themselves, I’ve secured tickets for two events: Athletics and Weightlifting. The Athletics event features the Women’s 400m sprints, while Weightlifting includes the Women’s 49 kg category, comprising the snatch and clean and jerk lifts. One of the most anticipated moments in weightlifting will be watching Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, a three-time Commonwealth Games gold-medallist and Olympic silver medallist from India, compete. Her journey from a young girl lifting heavy bundles of firewood to an Olympic champion is truly inspiring, and I’m eager to witness her strength, both physical and mental, on display.
Beyond the events, I’m excited to contribute by volunteering at Team USA House and supporting all the American athletes participating in the Olympics. And of course, I can’t wait to explore the enchanting city of Paris, which has been a long-time dream destination for me. I look forward to the moment I can finally say “Bonjour, Paris!”