We continue to feature RCS alumni and the positive impact that they are having in their communities and beyond. Today we are sharing a Q&A with Olympic Judo Coach and RCS Alumnus Jim Hrbek.
Hrbek, who graduated from RCS in 1967, was recent Olympic Athlete Nina-Cutro Kelly’s coach during the 2021 Summer Olympic Games. This was his third time coaching at the Olympics, and he has a lot of great advice for our students, whether they are about to graduate or are just getting started on their educational journey. We got to talk with Hrbek about his time participating in the Olympics and what it means to him.
What does it mean to you to be a part of the Olympic Games legacy?
The Olympic movement is surely special - and involvement is its own testimonial as to an individual's talents, skills, commitment, and dedication. The matter of the All-Sport Olympic family provides a cohesive community among Olympians and should present a very positive face to the World.
As a coach, how do you prepare for the Olympic Games? Any special areas to highlight?
Preparation for the Olympics is a huge challenge in itself due to the need to be at or among the very best levels of all the active athletes in the World at the time. It is a bigger challenge because of the magnitude and aura of the event.
Training "for the Olympics" can sometimes overshadow the need to train at the sport that enables you to get to the Olympics. The fanfare and celebration are great but can also be a significant distraction to participants who NEED to stay on task in order to excel further. So there is a preparation within the preparation to help navigate the pressures and the uniqueness of the Games.
What is your favorite memory of the Olympic Games?
I have had three athletes that I trained compete at the Olympics, most recently Nina Cutro-Kelly, also an RCS graduate. Seeing them take to the mat in the competition venue is a great and rewarding experience.
Outside of our sport, I think the single most impressive thing I have seen was Kerri Strug's absolutely courageous vault to clinch the Gymnastics Gold Medal at the 1996 Olympics.
How does life change for you after the games?
Once you are an Olympian, you are never "Not-an-Olympian." The recognition and badge of accomplishment stay with you throughout your life. The knowledge of where you have been often leads people to apply the confidence and work ethics they developed to other areas of their lives. The Olympics do not, alone, define you. They help you to continue to define yourself.
What recommendation do you have for students interested in reaching their Olympic goals?
First, decide what you want, then get busy figuring out how to accomplish that. Choose something you enjoy and never lose sight of the difference in the meanings between the words consistency and constancy.
What important steps do you recommend for anyone (students/community members) to accomplish their goals?
First and foremost - see the answer to the last question. We MUST define our goals. We MUST have support groups - because no one does this by themselves. Whether for the Olympics or a career track, you need to find out what you need to know, where can you find it, and how.
Every athlete, or Coach, has, in part, to depend on other athletes to train with. You need a strong Coach, a strong work ethic, access to training facilities, funding sources - and family or friends - or family AND friends. It takes a village.