The Agony of Defeat: How Olympians Can Deal With Failure

One key to recovering from defeat and persevering is to trade self criticism for self compassion

Former gold medalist Martina Sablikova of the Czech Republic reacts after finishing fourth at the women’s 3,000-meters speed skating race at the 2018 Winter Olympics. AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda

It’s been said there’s nothing worse than finishing fourth at the Olympics.

There have been some amazing performances so far from the athletes who have won medals at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. But behind those who take gold, silver, or bronze are stories of personal failures and setbacks for the athletes who never made it to the medal podium.