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American Bobsleigh Team Redefines Olympic Success

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. an-bobsleigh-team-redefines-olympic-success.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 18:13 GMT by The Straits Times
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

MILAN, ITALY - As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo draw ever closer, a compelling narrative is emerging from the American bobsleigh team, spearheaded by veterans Justin Kripps and Frank Delong. It's a story not simply about chasing gold, but about a fundamental shift in perspective - a realization that true fulfillment lies not in the medal itself, but in the journey, the camaraderie, and personal growth experienced along the way.

For years, the Olympic ideal has been relentlessly focused on winning. The pursuit of athletic glory often consumes athletes, demanding unwavering dedication and sacrifice. However, Kripps and Delong, having weathered the storms of intense competition - including the disappointments of the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics - are challenging this conventional wisdom. They are actively redefining what success means to them.

"I think a lot of us have gone through this journey," Kripps recently stated, reflecting on years spent striving for Olympic accolades. "We've chased that medal, we've chased that outcome, and we realized it doesn't bring you any happiness." This is a powerful admission, particularly within the high-pressure environment of elite sport, where external validation is often prioritized.

Delong echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of victory. "You realize that it's the journey, it's the people, it's the experiences. That's what you're going to remember." This isn't to say that Kripps and Delong have abandoned their competitive drive. They are still undeniably committed to performing at their best. However, their motivation has evolved.

Their partnership, forged over years of shared experience, is a testament to the power of teamwork and mutual respect. The synchronicity between them on the ice is well-known, but it's their aligned philosophy that truly sets them apart from many other teams. This shared understanding allows them to support each other, not just as athletic partners, but as individuals navigating the challenges of high-performance sport.

This shift in perspective is increasingly common among seasoned athletes, particularly those who have experienced both the highs and lows of competition. Burnout is a significant issue in professional sports, driven by the relentless pursuit of perfection and the immense pressure to deliver results. Athletes like Kripps and Delong are leading a movement towards a more sustainable and holistic approach to sport, prioritizing mental and emotional well-being alongside physical conditioning.

Dr. Emily Carter, a sports psychologist specializing in Olympic athletes, explains this trend: "We're seeing a generation of athletes who are more attuned to their own mental health and more willing to prioritize their overall well-being. They've realized that chasing a medal at all costs can be detrimental, not only to their performance but also to their long-term happiness." She notes that framing success as a process rather than solely an outcome can reduce anxiety and improve resilience.

"We're still trying to win, but it's not the end-all and be-all," Kripps clarifies. "It's about enjoying the process, enjoying the competition, and enjoying the people around us." This revised mindset allows them to approach each run with a sense of joy and appreciation, rather than crippling fear and expectation.

Delong reinforces this message, stating: "We want to leave here having had a great time, knowing that we gave it our best, and that we grew as people." This emphasis on personal growth highlights a crucial point: the Olympic Games are not just about athletic achievement, but also about the transformative power of the experience itself.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Kripps and Delong's journey offers a valuable lesson to aspiring athletes and fans alike. It's a reminder that success is not defined solely by the color of a medal, but by the character, resilience, and joy we cultivate along the way. Their approach promises a refreshing perspective on the pursuit of excellence, proving that the true victory lies in embracing the journey, cherishing the connections, and growing as individuals, regardless of the final result.