What can make me an Olympic champion can also kill me. | Nile Wilson | TEDxUNYP

[trishistired]

This is so applicable to those of us who are described as “determined, driven, hardworking” in life but really we feel unsatisfied, obsessive, and feel like we need to earn our keep.

[janaruhl]

"Success can be as scary as failure."
Thank you, I really needed to hear that.

[whatddaheck]

This Ted talk is gold! This is not taught in traditional education. Everyone should come and educate themselves here! This is an amazing example of the difficult school of life we are in!

[michellepetersen]

I have followed Nile and his career and started watching his YouTube channel years ago. I find him to be very genuine and honest and someone who has learned from life and this TedTalk says just that. Proud of you Nile♥️💙♥️💙

[Just_Smile-nw]

I sincerely appreciate Nile’s candor and courage to expose his personal demons to the world. Regardless of medals 🏅, he is a true champion ❤

[emilia_sandoval]

As a professional ballet dancer, hearing you brought me to tears because it puts into words many of the feelings and experiences I am facing right now. I think many ballet dancers can deeply relate to Olympian mindsets since many of us start very early as children, create narrow visions for goals, have extreme body perspectives, are competitive and extremely hard on ourselves, have perfectionist mindsets, push our bodies to extremes, work through grit and pain, and bring our “work” home with us as an integral part of our lifestyle. Many of these things are undoubtedly what have made me a successful dancer, but I am starting to see that these traits are also what are making me struggle with depression and anxiety, especially in seasons where there is so much uncertainty. It is extremely validating to hear you speak on this subject, Nile, and to bring to light a conversation that will hopefully help other high level achievers feel less alone, and seek the help, guidance, and love they may need to navigate a life carrying such powerful, but also destructive, mindsets.

[Andys]

I first saw that He’d done a Ted Talk on Nile’s YouTube channel and I’ve followed Nile since about 2018.
He has shown time and time again how humble of a person he is and he owns his mistakes, mistakes that anyone can make during life.
He works incredibly hard at whatever he does and I wish him every happiness and I know he’ll keep smashing it.

[nichtsistkostenlos]

This was a perfect presentation at this point in my life. My little girl is three years old and just started gymnastics. I want her to be successful in whatever she does, but more importantly, I want her to be happy and well-adjusted. This definitely gives me a lot to think about.

[colleendonahue]

I follow Nile and the squad. Nile did a terrific talk with great honesty to help others. He continues to work on self improvement and his family and squad are there to support and help him on his journey. I wish him only the best of life.

[MarkAndersonPrague]

This is so true and so much missed by the industry... What makes gold medalists is a drive and a dedication beyond physical boundaries... imagine when it's not applied to a positive outcome... Nile, you are the man! You are a master of your universe and I am proud to know you and have had you on our stage! Thank you so much for sharing this for other athletes!

[jomorrison]

Utterly fantastic!. Delivered with confidence in who he is now, he should be so proud of how he has succeded despite all the setbacks. I am old enough to be this young man's mother and I hope and pray more of the younger generation listen to this . There are lessons to be learned and if they only take a fraction of this on board then they will have a fighting chance of an amazing future. Good luck in all you do Nile!

[jguitar]

An important message for parents & coaches to understand how to care for/treat young folks who engage in very competitive areas of any type. Super presentation♧

[jessicaleigh]

I met him after his injury in Glasgow. It’s crazy to think that’s what he was going through, keep your head up high, inspiration.

[unyp]

Thank you for being part of our TEDxUNYP event!

[arcticgoddess]

Fabulous. As someone who found great success in my 30s then suffered from addiction and mental health issues, you are singing the song of my people. 😅 When I couldn't continue my career for medical reasons, lost the oceanfront villa, the money, the life, and had to slink home to my country and family, who aren't particularly empathetic people, I had many 'unloading the dishwasher' moments. When you have accomplished something special, and were someone special, and it all goes away, the confidence you build up and your ego shouts:"Don't you know who I am??" It's taken some time to slip back into normal life and find my identity apart from that life, and it hasn't been easy. But I am still inspired by people like you Nile, and I know that I have more to offer, once I train my focus there. Great talk. 👌

[ZacxOff]

Thank you Nile.
Thanks you for your documentary, this talk, and making the decision to be open and honest about the life so many people live.

Sports made my life so great. But they also destroyed me at the same time. Not baby understand that dichotomy.

You have explained it so perfectly to those on the outside❤️

Thank you Nile.
And thank you to the Wilson family, Luke and Ash for supporting this amazing human❤️

[TheTexican]

As someone who became addicted to Nile’s gymnastics channel, and the epic comradery of his wonderful crew (the squad!)…this was an incredibly clarifying and beautiful video.

Thank you for the brutal honesty, in the hopes of helping others grow and overcome.

Love and gratitude from the southern states. ✌️ ❤️

[bec]

I've been holding back on this, because I know Nile, it wasn't going to be "I won a medal in the Olympics" only. It was going to be talking about the great times, and talking about the bad times, and I knew I would cry and I did. Very proud of this young man and I hope him and his crew (including Neil and Sally) all the best in the world!

[annastewart]

This is so relevant to not just sport and athletes but everyday life for the younger generation. One I will be showing to my Higher PE class for sure 👏🏼

[laurakmetko]

I applaude your bravery Nile, from one elite gymnast to another . Thank you 🙏