OECS Olympian Lindon Victor is the living embodiment of “hard work pays off”. As an athlete every breath he takes during a competition is fueled by “focused passion” and a “strong will” mindset. With the love from his Grenadian brothers and sisters and that of his OECS family being a pillar of support to him, Lindon intends on achieving greatness at this years Olympic Games.
OY: What did it feel like in the moment that you qualified for the Olympic games?
LV: It felt great! Knowing that I was going to respresent my country was one of the biggest acts of achievment that I got and to be apart of it, is amazing.
OY: What would you say has been the most difficult part of your journey as a professional athlete?
LV: Well I'm still in school so I'm not a professional yet. But the most difficult part is getting up and then having to get stuff done. Getting up at 6am and just leaving the house. Knowing I'm at school all day and still need to go and get work done at practice. Discipline, first and foremost is the most important quality that you need to do to get work done.
OY: What has been involved in your preparation for the Olympic games? Leading up to the games what is your typical day like?
LV: Making sure I have breakfast. Getting my mind ready for practice and I practice typically from 9 to 1. Get home and try to eat lunch, then get back to the track at 8 for a long run, some stretches. Then get home and go bed. Nutrition, practice and rest are very important.
OY: What keeps you focused/motivated to perform?
LV: Just the fact that I'm in the position to do really good at the Olympic Games. That really motivates me and it's been a really long season so I try not to think about how long the season is. I also look at it like this, if I make myself proud, I make my country proud. Even more importantly Grenadians are so proud of me, they wouldn't want anything other than I win the Decathlon, they would be so happy. That has been my biggest motivation during the summer.
OY: What advice do you have for young athletes in your country/region who dream of becoming professional athletes / being an Olympian?
LV: Anything is possible if you work hard through dedication and discipline. I am a testament to that. Once you love the sport and you are dedicated and discipline you can achieve anything you want. I was never a good athlete, growing up I worked hard, I stayed dedicted and disciplined. Discipline is the biggest thing for every athlete, no matter how good you are you have to be disciplined and you have to be hungry for what you want. "Hard work never loses yet" that's my motto. You got to work hard, put in extra work and you will see the results.
OY: What changes would you like to see in sports/athletics development in your country/region?
LV: I would like to see the implementation of pole vaults and hurdles, good coaches who know about these things. That way you can actually give athletes like me a chance. Also in the Caribbean as a whole we should have camps or better camps for developing and scouting for good athletes for the various sporting events.
OY: What are you looking forward to most at the end of this year's Olympics.
LV: Just being happy. As long as I compete well and represent my country well I will be happy no matter what the outcome. I think I've had a good year so far, as long as I do well and I'm a good ambassador for my country, I will be happy.
OY: Is there anything you think that people looking up to you / anyone should know about you?
LV: Well I grew up poor, on a farm having to see after pigs and cattle. I had to get up early in the morning to look after the pigs and cattle. I think this is where I got my discipline from because life wasn't about smooth sailing or a bed of roses for me. Because of this I learned no matter how you start in life you got to work hard then you can accomplish whatever you want to accomplish.
