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Olympic champion Rai Benjamin has revealed why he agrees with fellow track star Noah Lyles on the importance of surrounding oneself with like-minded people.
Olympian Rai Benjamin has echoed the sentiments of fellow track star Noah Lyles, emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with driven, like-minded individuals who push you to be better every day.
In a candid conversation on the Beyond The Records podcast, Benjamin shared his personal experience on how being part of a competitive and supportive environment has helped him grow as an athlete.
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09:00 - 19.12.2024
'I wasn't mentally weak' - Rai Benjamin on why he struggled in 2022 as he draws comparisons to Noah Lyles' COVID-striken status at Paris Olympics
Rai Benjamin has explained why he struggled in 2022 even if he clinched silver at the Olympics, rubbishing claims he was 'mentally weak' as he drew similarities to Noah Lyles' COVID-striken status that affected his 200-meter performance at the Paris Olympics.
The Olympic champion explained that he fully agrees with Lyles’ philosophy that "iron sharpens iron," a concept deeply rooted in the idea of growth through mutual challenge.
"The wolf pack eats when we all eat," said Lyles, illustrating how athletes thrive in groups where they work off each other's strengths, constantly striving for improvement.
Lyles pointed out that the group’s dynamic helps all of them improve through daily interaction and feedback.
“We feed off each other,” Benjamin agreed. “When you say surround yourself with like-minded people, that’s exactly what we have.”
This environment of challenge and mutual growth isn’t just about race strategy or technique, but also about mindset. Benjamin specifically pointed to training partner Michael Norman’s unyielding discipline and commitment to excellence as an example of what it means to be driven.
“Michael is the most type-A person you probably will ever meet,” Benjamin said, noting Norman’s refusal to take shortcuts in his approach to training and lifestyle.
“He doesn’t take shortcuts. Sometimes I’m like, ‘Dude, have a cookie.’ But Michael’s commitment is on another level,” he added.
For the Olympians, this discipline is not just impressive, it’s a source of inspiration. The high standards set by the people in their circle serve as a constant reminder of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
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08:15 - 22.12.2024
'I don't really like format' - Rai Benjamin joins Noah Lyles in voicing doubt over Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track
Rai Benjamin has joined Noah Lyles in expressing a major concern that has to be addressed before joining Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track League.
"You’re just constantly motivated by the people around you," Benjamin explained, underscoring the value of being surrounded by individuals who are relentless in their pursuit of excellence.
Ultimately, Benjamin and Lyles both agree that this kind of environment, one that nurtures growth, challenges complacency is essential for athletes striving to reach their full potential.
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