What can make me an Olympic champion can also kill me. | Nile Wilson | TEDxUNYP
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- Опубликовано: 29 ноя 2022
- Olympic gymnast and medalist Nile Wilson draws on his own personal challenges with mental health as a trailblazer in sports to shed some light on the challenges many professional athletes face on their journey to becoming champions. Nile Wilson is one of Great Britain's greatest ever gymnasts and has been a trailblazer for the sport in many different ways. He won a Bronze Medal in the Horizontal Bar at the 2016 Rio Olympics which was Team GB's first ever Olympic medal in the discipline. He is also England's most successful ever gymnast at a Commonwealth Games following his 3 gold medals and 2 silver medals in 2018. Yet, Nile is so much more than just a gymnast - a RUclipsr with over 1.5 million subscribers and 350 million total views; a social media influencer; a highly successful entrepreneur; an advocate for mental health awareness; and a powerful voice within his sport over the historic treatment of gymnasts. Nile himself has been very open about his own personal struggles with mental health issues and gambling. Nile is an inspiration to millions due to his accomplishments, his humour and, most importantly, his honesty in life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
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.
Exactly this! Add perfectionism into the mix and it’s a recipe for disaster.
True
Me
In my case, it was an undiagnosed ADHD until the age of 24...
This is so relatable to me. Hopefully it won’t come crashing down on me. ❤
I have followed Nile and his career and started watching his RUclips 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♥️💙♥️💙
I really hate those people. Its not done by saying you did bad things. He did not even apologize. But even if he would have, he needs to show it with his actions that he is sorry and wants to change. Instead he is just saying thats what he is...
@@Fred-oz3tw And I really hate people who judge others without knowing anything. Why do you think he needs to apologise? For your benefit? If you knew anything about him you would know he has changed. Get a life you sad git.
@@Fred-oz3tw when?
@@Fred-oz3tw What does he have to apologize for? Did he do something to us?
He is sharing details about his personal life. He is a public figure, so he doesn't have as much of a reasonable right to privacy as the rest of us, but if it hasn't been in the press or some tabloid and he is sharing it on his own accord then I'd assert it was none of our business until he shared it with us - and that was a gift not an entitlement. In other words, just because he is a public figure doesn't mean he owes us some kind of Carte Blanche to his personal life - that's his own choice and also a choice how much he divulges and when.
I think you might be referring to twelve step or similar systems where one gets through denial by admitting one has a problem and that one's life is out of control. But is it out of control? It's his own realization that drives his journey - not ours. Also we cannot fully realize where he is, because we are not him. We don't have all the facts.
One more thing. Here is a man who has gone to extremes. Extremely high performance and also extremely low lows of various kinds. Can we all really compare his lows with ours without the highs to compensate? It's not an apples to apples comparison.
@@Fred-oz3twSo in your opinion, this speech is a failure, and thus Nile is a failure also, because he didn't do the speech exactly the way you think he should have done it? He didn't subscribe to some ideal blueprint you've concocted in your head regarding how this should go if it's done right?
I sincerely appreciate Nile’s candor and courage to expose his personal demons to the world. Regardless of medals 🏅, he is a true champion ❤
"Success can be as scary as failure."
Thank you, I really needed to hear that.
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!
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.
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.
Glad to hear that you’re daughter is taking part in such a beautiful sport. The most important thing in this sport, or any sport really, is to find a good coach who not only cares about the athlete and getting big skills but the person your daughter becomes, too! That is worth more than the world because if you find a bad one, even by accident, it can totally ruin any love for the sport!
I first saw that He’d done a Ted Talk on Nile’s RUclips 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.
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!
Which lessons? There was zero learning effect?!
He said he would still drink bit too much if he gets frustrated.
@@Fred-oz3tw are you perfect?
@@jojo-wy7yq no other than nile wilson
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.
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. ✌️ ❤️
It does help us see a bit of what was happening on the other side of the camera. I'm grateful he has such a supportive team surrounding him. May we all develop our own tribe to carry us through when we aren't able to walk properly on our own.
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!
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❤️
I feel exactly the same he means everything to me
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♧
Thank you for being part of our TEDxUNYP event!
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!
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 👏🏼
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.
What a wonderful and moving talk. Thank you, Nile, for being so honest and transparent in sharing about your struggles. Very much appreciated.
@NileWilson Next time you list your accomplishments (despite everything you spoke of here) this Ted talk should also be listed in your highest accomplishments. Very well done - I know that had to be hard, but you truly have courage beyond measure. Adrenaline pumped and performing is one thing talking about the things you would rather hide is a whole other level.. I am even more of a fan than I was before. All the best from one of your American Wilsonators.
Such a high level of a respect for you for posting this and being vulnerable. You have had my following for a long time, but you sir, have it now for a lifetime. I’m so proud of you and your journey.
Congratulations on winning Dancing on Ice, very inspirational young man.
So brave for him to admit everything and be honest and open about everything. All credit to him for speaking honestly and openly. Must have been hard. Well done Nile.xx
Incredible story, huge courage to give such a presentation. Love your work Nile, it always makes a difference.
That type of vulnerability requires massive amounts of courage, @nilewilson Thank you for being a contribution. I look forward to continue following your journey. Bravo
I’ve followed you since early days and have seen the highs and the lows. Thank you for being a representative of how your strengths can also be your weaknesses, and how important it is to understand our triggers, our beliefs and how they ultimately impact our behaviours.
Such an amazing talk 💭
Real and heart felt.
Thank you for speaking.
I applaude your bravery Nile , from one elite gymnast to another . Thank you 🙏
Tears I tell youuu 😭 thank you so much for sharing your story, Nile. It takes bravery to lay it all out in the open. I wish you all the best in life! Keep smashing it 🤍
Being from the U.S.A. I discovered Nile through RUclips. I have been following him for a little over 2 years. I think he has a great personality, amazing talent, great friends and an awesome family. It can be incredibly hard to share your life with the world. Not just the positive “show life”, but the complete picture. People who struggle with MH or addiction have an extremely hard time with self reflection. I think he’s as brave as he is driven and for that above all else, I applaud him and admire him. I look forward to seeing what he does next in life, he deserves the best! Much love from the states. ❤
Oh my god, this is so brilliant. So emotional. I have followed Nile and his friends on YT for a while. He has been open about his mental health. Most videos are just great fun, light banter. But this talk - which he delivered brilliantly btw - shows the real person he is. A master not only in sports, but also a master in life (if that makes sense). Thank you Nile!
super interesting insight! really well written text and nice presentation as well, he's really good at that
Nile Wilson is an amazing young lad and if he learns to lean on “ his squad” then there is nothing he can’t do. They are the family who will hold him up when he is down but will also hold him down ( ground) him when he is up. If you have the right people beside you on your journey then there is nothing you can’t do. It may take days, months or even years to get where you want to be but they will help you get there. Either by emotional support, physical support or spiritual support. Well done to Nile Wilson you will be on top again and hopefully in the right way and with your friends and family ( The Squad) right beside you. Good luck with RUclips and whatever life throws at you. YOUR A WINNER IN LIFE.
I was watching reels and the intro came on and it shocked me. So I had to come and watch the rest.
I’ve also been watching Nile since early in his RUclips channel. I didn’t know this side of him. Thank you for sharing your story! You taught me to appreciate both my ups and downs. Thank you for being so vulnerable and honest
Those of us that are most successful because we are so driven understand that. It's all about balance and taking a time out when needed.
What an amazing lad! So grateful to him for being brave and vulnerable in sharing this… amazing human
Thats not brave and vulnerable.
Its brave to say you are an addict, when you still are and you call yourself out in front of all those people wanting to change. He does not do that.
@@Fred-oz3tw I’ve noticed all your negative comments on a number of people’s messages of support for Nile in this comment thread, and I have to ask... what’s your problem?
Have you never made a mistake in your life? Have you had to deal with all the pain and set backs that Nile has? Unless you have walked in someone’s shoes, you cannot possibly understand their actions.
Personally I think Nile is doing a great job of bringing awareness to largely misunderstood mental health problems that so many people face. He’s not doing it for money or fame, but to try to help others who are struggling to feel less alone and to make these issues better understood by society in general... and for that I commend and respect him.
It’s not easy to open up so publicly about your innermost struggles, or to admit to having made choices that have not only harmed him, but also all the people closest to him.
It takes unbelievable courage to tell all to the World, especially when there are always so many who are so quick to judge and condemn. And at the end of the day, Nile knows and admits his mistakes, and is trying to change his behaviour for the better now he has a better understanding of what the underlying causes are.
Personally I think he is an inspirational young man, for many reasons, and he is an exceptional role model for young people who may find themselves on a similar journey through elite level sports and performance.
I only hope you @Fred can perhaps take an open minded, honest look within yourself, and understand why you feel the need to be so critical of others..?
If not, then just ignore me and go polish YOUR Olympic Medals.😏
@@i_canoe_do_you_2236 i dont take it for real. thats the thing. i dont believe he told his innermost struggle.
@@Fred-oz3tw
You are absolutely entitled to your own opinions on what you do and don’t believe, as is everyone. It just strikes me as a little unnecessary for you to be responding with such criticism on other people’s positive comments. You don’t have to agree with them, but you also don’t need to be telling others that their own opinions about someone are wrong. It just comes across as you being kinda hateful and bitter.
I’m not trying to sound like I’m telling you what to do or how to live your life, I’m just suggesting you maybe consider a more “live and let live” approach.
@@Fred-oz3twSince you've said this, I'm guessing you have some idea as to what that struggle might be. Mind enlightening us with your insider knowledge?
Best TED talk I’ve ever seen
This is the greatest TED talk I have ever heard
Wow! Thank you for your bravery and opennes in sharing this, Nile! I knew some of your journey from your youtube channel but this still gave me food for thought. So really - thank you!
Read his book it’s full of highs and lows
I applaud you Nile for your bravery, candor and work you’re doing to help yourself and others. I think your life’s story this far are just the first few chapters with many more to be written about how much truly extraordinary good you will accomplish far into the future in spite of your god-given weaknesses. You’ll always be a champion at life even when you fail. Cheers.
Love this talk. Those that have extreme gifts and talents have a double-edged sword that can cut so deeply, making unbelievable marks on the world and themselves. Love you Nile.
What an insight! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us all!
That was truly amazing! So awesome to see people be comfortable in their vulnerability. Praying for you Nile!
So great!!! 🙏🏼💛
Yes! Been waiting forever for this to come out! So inspiring :')
Thank you Nile for being so honest. It will help others to know they are not alone. Appreciate you.
been waiting for this to come out! it was brilliant and so insightful. sending love!
Nile is a true inspiration , I’ve also read his book and this speech is very similar 💪thanks for sharing
That is so brave Nile.
Wow Nile. I'm so proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to stand up and admit those things. Well done. Don't ever give up on anything you do.
Thanks for sharing your story, Nile. This was brilliant.
Nile I've been a fan for a few years having watched your channel, and it's heartwarming to see where you have been and where you are. Best of luck on your journey.
Thank you for continuing to be brave, keep telling your story
Thanks so much for sharing your story Nile. I’ve followed you and the squad for years online. It’s so true that there’s a fine line between drive and focus and fixation and addiction. It’s so powerful to hear you speak about your mental health. Thank you.
So inspirative and the aspect of vulnerability made it even better👏🏼😌
So amazing.
Thank you! This talk and the understanding it shares shows you are a real champion!
So cool Nile, what a great story to share!
Hey Nile, what an important story to share, so impressed in the way you are dealing with such a tough life experience. CONGRATS! Carlos
Thank you for sharing. People normally hide the bad stuff which makes other feel like failures. Its good to hear you can be both and that's OK. It doesn't mean you can't get the good back.
Thank you for sharing your story Nile
Nile you're amazing I've followed you for years. So proud of who you have become!
One of my biggest inspirations and always will be. Struggling with these things myself it’s so nice to here someone be so honest.❤️
Wonderful talk!
this was fantastic, so poignant. so much respect to Nile for telling his truth so openly
Brillant Nile admire your honesty seem like a genuine top guy
I love Nile hes such a humble and truthful youtuber. Truly one of a kind!
@NilesWilsonGymnast - that was awesome, I am now 15 minutes late for appointment, it was so worth it. So articulate, interesting and thought provoking. The bestg TED Talk I have watched, great work again Niles, thank you for sharing
This is amazing. This incredible and inspiring to me and many people.
Incredible absolutely incredible and the effort it must have taken to show such honesty shows how far he has truly come. Well done Nile
wow... this moved me to tears and makes me worry for my daughter who is an elite dancer.
I'm hoping you've showed this to your daughter by now. Worrying won't help, but being aware will. Nile has given you some signs to watch for, and by having your daughter watch this, it will also allow her to watch for signs in her own behavior. As he said, we're all going to have a dishwasher moment, but it's much better to have that moment surrounded by people who truly have our best interest at heart. I hope she's surrounded by truly supportive people who love her for her, not for what she can do.
I hope he and his dad are going better. We need them both around for a long time yet🙏
Very honest & inspirational. Thank you for sharing your personal journey with us.
Oh wow I didn't know he did a ted talk! This dude (and the whole squad) are like some of my favourite people I look up to
Thank you for being real!
So much respect to you, Nile, for sharing your story. We can all learn from what you say. 🤗❤️❤️❤️
I respect this man so much, thank you so much for sharing
great job, Nile!
just want to say just how amazing you are Nile I watch your RUclips and just to see and hear this side of you just amazing 👏
That was some heavy duty talk there. You’ve had one crazy ride but I can only hope that you find true happiness in the things you love that do you good. ❤
That was bloody brilliant, read your book too, you a remarkable young man, lots of luck in the future and I will be voting for you on DOI x
This is truly inspiring. This vid needs more views.
Nile I apprecaite this Ted talk talk very much...I worked myself nearly to death and in recovery now I am getting to know myself and what makes me tick it's the inner world discoveries that I work for now not the money I earn.
Well done, sir, and greatly appreciated! Love the "dishwasher moment" point. As you said, we'll all have one...if we're lucky it's only one...but what we'll do with it is what's important. May we follow your example of how to properly move on from the dishwasher revelation.
well done open and imformative and honest , painful at time as you are loved , but still well up again you are loved
Thank you so much. I am not an olimpic champion, but I spent my whole 40 years sorting the ups (brilliant academics until college) with the shame of the downs (severe social and performance phobia).
Your message cuts deep with my life.
It doesn't matter what you do or how well you do it. It does matter how you treat people you love. And that you love what you do.
Big ... for saying all of that.
It is needed. I still need to hear it.
Thank you. Obrigada
I've watched Nile for a while now, well done on this talk man. As someone with a very obsessive and self-destructive personality I can very much see myself in you.
Everyone will have a dishwasher moment.
What you do with this moment is what matters. Congratulations Nile on figuring out your happy.
Absolutely love this human ❤ Such a kind and genuine person, I always appreciate his openness.
Brilliant speech Nile. Courageous and extremely well articulated. Well done. Matt in Nottingham.
Wow thank you for your honesty Nile! Soo inspiring
Absolutely brilliant talk Nile.
Amazing
Strong, thankyou.
So brave, cried the whole way through. You are an amazing young man, who is an inspiration to all. You have grown so much since PGS. This talk will help so many, thank you.
get a grip 🤣😂
@@OldSchoolStrengthGo away! Your mindset isn't welcome here.
Been watching his youtube since early 2017 and I've seen most of this journey, especially once he started talking about it more openly. Very brave to admit that, I admire his passion and dedication, but this man should still seek out some behavioural therapy if he's getting driving bans and stuff like that. It's not "just talking" like what people assume therapy is. CBT, for example, involves getting to know yourself, identifying your problematic thought patterns, beliefs, etc., and then learning strategies to combat those destructive cognitions and behaviours. It is effective for many different disorders and for most people who try it, because it's not a quick and temporary fix like taking medication, it actually helps you to grow, adapt, and handle life's ups and downs much better.
This is so true. Our gifts can be a curse if we don't understand how to maintain balance in our lives. My heart goes out to you for sharing your struggles as well as successes with us. You're a beautiful soul. And an inspiring athlete and human being. I was touched by your affirmations.
I'm a transformational personal coach. I understand because I've been there. Anyone who is an overachiever and ready to seek greater balance in their being and life should consider working with an ICF-certified coach. Niles' story is exactly why this profession was created. You can be a magnificent performer and at greater peace. The key is in understanding the wisdom of your emotions, body, and life experiences to transcend your limiting beliefs and self defeating patterns and become your best self.
Strong message, authentic, showing both sides of being successfull. Happy to know you. Sending a lot of power.
Well done! we all struggle. as a nurse i agree that there is no magic pill!! i wish we had one...