The 2024 Paris Olympics was a powerful demonstration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in action. The games highlighted the strength that comes from embracing differences, challenging stereotypes, and creating a level playing field for everyone. As we celebrate the achievements of these remarkable athletes, here are ways to reflect on the valuable lessons we can apply to our workplaces.
1. The Power of a Diverse Team
Difference is our strength
Team USA’s success in Paris was a testament to the power of diversity. Athletes on Team USA ranged in age from 16 (Hezly Rivera, gymnastics) to 59 (Steffen Peters, equestrian). For the fourth consecutive Olympics, Team USA consisted of more women than men (315 to 279), and this was the first Olympics to achieve gender parity among all athletes. This elite group of some of the top athletes in the world spanned a wide range of ages, genders, body types, languages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and ethnicities. And make no mistake, that diversity is our strength. This diversity wasn’t just a feel-good story- it’s not an exercise in meeting quotas and box-checking; it was a critical factor in their victories.
When we widen the range of who we perceive as having the potential to excel, we unlock a wealth of talent and perspectives that can drive innovation and success. This means actively seeking out and valuing individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and abilities in the workplace.
2. Look Beyond the Surface
Don’t make assumptions about abilities
The Olympics showcased athletes who defied expectations and challenged stereotypes. From unnecessary and unwelcome chatter about Ilona Maher’s BMI (disclosure: it’s 30, and it doesn’t matter) to Katie Ledecky’s chronic nervous system disorder (another disclosure: she has POTS and also holds multiple world records and about five gazillion medals), these athletes proved that what we see on the surface doesn’t always reflect someone’s true capabilities. Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez competed while seven months pregnant. Noah Lyles has been open about his mental health struggles, posting, “I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why not you!” And with the first support and training, why not? Noah went on to win Gold in the Men’s 100m and Bronze in the Men’s 200m.
Transphobic and sexist competitors and commenters forced two athletes in Olympics Women’s Boxing into the middle of debate. Women’s Gold Medal winner Imane Khelif of Algeria and Lin Yu‑ting of Taiwan were both unfairly questioned about their gender and challenged in their participation in the sport. As clarified by NBC News, “Lin and Khelif have always competed in women’s events — including at the Tokyo Olympics — and there is no indication that either identifies as transgender or intersex, the latter referring to those born with sex characteristics that do not fit strictly into the male-female gender binary.” Despite the distraction and unfounded claims, Imane went on to win Gold and is now filing legal claims for the harassment.
In the workplace, it’s crucial to avoid making assumptions about what people can or cannot do based on their appearance, background, or any other visible characteristic. Instead, focus on creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to showcase their talents.
3. Open Doors to Opportunity
Give them a chance
The stories of athletes like Kristen Faulkner, a relative newcomer to cycling who won two gold medals in her Olympic debut, remind us of the importance of opportunities for people to explore their potential. Kristen first tried cycling at a free introductory clinic seven years ago as a hobby cyclist and only started training full-time in 2021. From that first try, she went on to earn Team USA’s first women’s Road Race medal in 40 years. She says, “I just wanted to see what’s possible and what I’m capable of, because I think every time I realize I’m capable of something more, my dreams just become a bit bigger, my confidence becomes higher.”
In the workplace, this means creating pathways for growth and development, offering mentorship and training programs, and encouraging employees to step outside their comfort zones and try new things.
4. Prioritize Well-being and Recovery
People who are supported can come back to succeed
The powerhouse 2024 Women’s Gymnastics Team (self-named “Team F Around and Find Out”) was a testament to the importance of prioritizing physical and mental health. By taking time to heal and recover from kidney disease and mental health challenges, Suni Lee and Simone Biles were able to return to competition stronger than ever. Equally as important as these elite athletes recognizing their needs was the support from coaches and team leadership in advocating for ways to accommodate them.
In the workplace, this means creating a culture that supports employee well-being, offering flexible work arrangements, and providing access to mental health resources. Simply listening to what your team members ask for and then making space for that to happen can change the game for everyone.
5. Celebrate Collective Success
There’s always room for more at the top
The heartwarming camaraderie between Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade showed us that success isn’t a zero-sum game. There’s always room for more people at the top, and celebrating the achievements of others can be just as rewarding as achieving our own goals. After the Women’s Floor event medal ceremony, Jordan’s enthusiasm and statement resonate: “It was an all-Black podium, so that was super exciting … Why don’t we just give [Rebecca Andrade] her flowers? Not only has she given Simone her flowers, but a lot of us in the United States our flowers as well. Giving it back is what makes it so beautiful.”
In the workplace, this means promoting a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone’s contributions are recognized and valued. It also means encouraging public praise of one another.
6. Redefine Success
A narrow definition of success sets us all up for failure
The Olympics taught us that success comes in many forms. It’s not just about winning gold medals; it’s also about personal growth, resilience, and teamwork. Social media was taken over early in the games by a debate over how countries show medal tally rankings. US media was called out for ranking by total medal count, whereas most other countries rank by Gold only. By the end of the games, it was a moot point, with Team USA on top by both tallies (amusingly coming down to a tiebreaker of total medal count). Still, it did serve to open a meaningful dialogue about how we view success.
In the workplace, broadening our definition of success beyond traditional metrics like hierarchy and title is essential. Recognizing and rewarding a more comprehensive range of achievements can create a more inclusive and motivating work environment.
7. Value Every Role
Specialists are part of the team too
The Olympics highlighted the contributions of athletes who specialize in niche disciplines, reminding us that every role is essential to the team’s overall success. Specialist “Pommel Horse Guy” Stephen Nedoroscik won the hearts of viewers as well as the Bronze medal in his only individual apparatus competition. His contribution on the pommel horse also helped to win another bronze in the team event- USA Men’s first team medal in 16 years. While placing an all-around star over a specialist in organizational hierarchies is easy, every contribution plays a role in a team’s success.
In the workplace, this means recognizing and valuing the unique skills and perspectives that each employee brings to the table, regardless of their position or level of seniority.
The 2024 Paris Olympics provide a powerful reminder that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential for success. By embracing these lessons and applying them to our workplaces, we can create more inclusive, innovative, and high-performing organizations where we can succeed together.