The Paris Olympics will witness 10,500 athletes taking part in the 32 major sports. Melanie de Jesus dos Santos has been one of the finest gymnasts in the world. The French athlete returns to her home Olympics not only as a significantly different gymnast. But also as a very different person. Then the one who finished 11th in the all-around at the Tokyo 2020 Games, She failed to perform in Tokyo in the last major event. But she will be a star for the forthcoming event.
However, the last time disappointment changed almost everything in her life. The better part of the time came living in Tokyo and training in Houston, Texas. Dos Santos trained alongside French coaches Laurent and Cecile Landi, a 1996 Olympian, and the sport’s star, Simone Biles. The athlete focused on her mental health, giving herself grace in tough moments, and the importance of the journey over the results.
The adjustments have already paid off, with de Jesus dos Santos delivering under immense pressure last October at the World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. She was Team France’s final competitor on the always tricky balance beam. Her team needed one more routine to secure a historic medal finish, and she delivered, earning the team bronze.
Changing location can change the mindset
How did her life change or was influenced? The training location in the United States, to Houston, completely changed her. While training in the USA she learned to work on her mental health. Dos Santos learned a lot of positive things and regained her confidence as well.
She said, “I really grew up after the Tokyo Games. It was really incredible because we didn’t expect too much, but it turns out we had a very good competition. It was really a great reward for us. It gives a boost to the Paris Games, winning this medal just before the Games gives me confidence. I think it will help me for the future.”
