E138 Ron Flanagan Parents Cherish Olympics
Let’s Be Well Together Podcast - Episode 138
Date: September 17, 2024
Participants: John Webster, Noura Saad and Cameron Earnshaw
Guest: Ron Flanagan
Start Times and Segments:
[0:00:35] What’s On Your Mind: Noura read about a challenge to do 75 hard things. We talk about our experiences where doing hard things, in the physical challenge sense, made a positive impact in our lives.
[0:12:25] Expanding Minds Interview: Ben Flanagan spoke to us on Episode 108 about his dream to run in the Olympics. Today we speak with his dad, Ron Flanagan, about what it felt like to see a child live out that dream. Ron and Ben’s mom, Michelle, booked flights and accommodations in Paris well before Ben qualified. More than 20 people would join them in Paris. All they could do was hope, support and cheer, waiting months to find out whether he qualified. Ben hit the Olympic standard on January 26, but had to keep racing. He got the official nod in late July, shortly before the Olympics began. The venue was stunning. The energy and excitement were high. Seeing Ben run is a memory that will be etched into Ron’s heart for a very long time. To use the word “proud” is an understatement. Like every parent, you want what’s best for your children. You know what their dreams and aspirations are. Ben’s supporters knew how long he wanted this, and how long he tried to get there and the obstacles he faced. For Ben to finally realize that, it warms your heart. It was humbling to see the support of so many people. It was a great moment for sure.
[0:32:46] Running Popup [0:35:59] Podcast discussions keep helping John to improve and refine an approach to wellness and balance. Recent examples include the role of compartmentalizing and mental toughness / Adventures of the Starving Artist: Cameron had and fast session musician experience with Perry & the Wobbly Pops.
Quotes and Take-Aways:
Ron – We booked our airfare to Paris and our accommodations in October 2023, when we did not know whether our son Ben would make it to the Olympics. We justified it by saying if he doesn’t make it, we’re going anyways. But he had a fire in his soul. We had a gut feeling that he was going to get there. It would be crazy in Paris, so we wanted to reserve early to get something decent, then let the chips fall where they may.
Ron – Ben targeted a race on January 26, 2024, as his Olympica qualifying opportunity. Ben’s wife’s family lived about an hour away from the race location. When we arrived at the facility, there were 30 people there. They were all super hyped and ready for that race.
Ron – Every single athlete will tell you that the reason they got where they are is because of the support they had behind them. 100%.
Ron – We have season’s tickets to the Toronto Blue Jays. You go to a game and there’s high energy and often about 30,000 people. It pales in comparison to going to the venue at the Olympics. The energy and excitement were higher. The cheering was crazy. You walk into the venue and see a stunning stadium.
Ron – It is a memory that will be etched into my heart for a very very long time.
Ron – I saw many of these world best runners on TV, but it didn’t seem real. It becomes real when you see them in person, which helps you to connect to the athletes better. You appreciate their accomplishments even more. You realize they are human.
Ron – To use the word “proud” is an understatement. Seeing Ben running in an Olympic race was humbling. Like every parent, you want what’s best for your children. You know what their dreams and aspirations are. We knew how long Ben has wanted this and how long he tried to get there and the obstacles he faced to get there. For him to finally realize that, it warms your heart. It was humbling to see the support of all the people, including those who congregate me for having a son in the Olympics. It was a great moment for sure.
Ron – I would finish off by thanking all of the people who know Ben and are as enthusiastic for his success that we are, and as he is. Just know that we value and love that support and it means a lot to all of us.
Guest Information: Ron Flanagan is Sheila’s brother [our co-host Sheila]. He’s an elementary school teacher. He announced his retirement a few years ago, but when I ask what he’s up to he tells me about work. He’s kept a toe in the water at work. Ron and his wife Michelle have three adult children, who are all married. They have four beautiful grandchildren and one on the way. They were made to be grandparents! It’s a tightknit family who love spending time together.
Connect with Let’s Be Well Together Podcast:
website: https://letsbewelltogether.com
Follow our Instagram account: @lets.be.well.together use hashtag #letsbewelltogetherpodcast
Provide input on Instagram using hashtag #letsbewelltogetherinput
Thanks for joining us,
(-(-_(-_-)_-)-) Your wellness check-in team
John, Sammy, Cameron, Sheila, Elise, Isabelle, Noura, Julie and Riley