The RCS Alumni Series continues into the 2021-2022 school year with Olympic Athlete Nina Cutro-Kelly. This series aims to highlight and celebrate the positive impacts our alumni have on our community and the world around us.
Over the summer, Cutro-Kelly, who graduated RCS in 2002, made her Olympic debut in Judo, competing in the women’s +78kg division at the 2021 Summer Olympic Games. According to NBC, Cutro-Kelly was the oldest Olympic U.S. judoka in history. We got to chat with Cutro-Kelly about her time in Japan and the surreal experience.
What does it mean to you to be a part of the Olympic Games legacy?
For me, becoming an Olympian represents the culmination of over 20 years of training, injuries, disappointments, and successes. It was truly the capstone accomplishment of my Judo career. Anything from here on out is just gravy.
As an athlete, how do you prepare for the Olympic Games?
Routine is key - you need to have your preparation organized and non-stressors in your day-to-day life in the lead up to competing. If you make sure you sleep right, eat right, stretch right, and do the correct video work and strategy, things are more likely to go to plan. It is also important to set daily training and life goals while keeping track of whether or not you meet them.
What’s your favorite memory of the Olympic Games?
In terms of the competition, it was incredible to compete in the homeland of Judo - Japan. The locals were enthusiastic and even the military who processed us in and out of the village were extra happy that we were judokas. It was cool to meet everyday people, taxi drivers, and grandparents, who knew the rules of judo like Americans understand baseball and football.
After competing, how has life changed for you?
I have worked as an ESL (English Second Language) teacher since 2006 and have been self-employed doing English coaching & French to English translation since 2011. However, the Olympics being on my resume has allowed me to position myself to teach judo for private lessons and seminars. This is becoming more and more of my work. I love teaching - be it English or Judo, but Judo is my passion. The Olympics have definitely allowed me to focus more on teaching judo.
What recommendation do you have for students interested in reaching their Olympic goals?
Never skip training. Keep a routine. Chart or journal your routine to stay accountable. It is ok to have fun and relax once in a while but trust me - you're better off being disciplined and dedicated when you are young - it will pay off when you're an adult.
Any important steps to recommend for anyone (students/community members) to accomplish their own personal goals?
Routine, discipline, and dedication. Hold yourself accountable to your goals on a daily basis, but don't beat yourself up too much if things aren't working out - sometimes you need to return to the drawing board and rework your goals. However, you MUST always have goals and things to work towards if you are going to evolve as an individual.
Stay tuned for a Q&A from Kelly’s Coach, RCS Alumnus Jim Hrbek
