How to Become an Olympian

The winter Olympics are upon us. I know I am a big fan of ice skating, despite the fact that everyone seems to be falling (clearly the rink is rigged). My roommate Sarah was very inspired and decided to look up on how to become an Olympian. Thanks to ehow.com, all you have to do is follow these 8 simple steps to accomplish your dreams and be a famous Olympian:

Apollo Ohno

1. Step1

   Pick a sport. You have two paths--go with a sport you know and like, or pick an obscure one. A familiar sport may seem like an obvious choice, but think carefully--popular sports have millions of dedicated participants, and competition is stiff. Less wellknown options, such as short-track speed skating, luge, bobsledding and pentathlon, have fewer competitors.

2. Step2

   Evaluate your physique and choose a sport that suits it. No matter how dedicated you are, unless you have the physical makeup for extreme endurance, you'll never be an Olympic marathoner. And if you're tall and over the age of 16, kiss gymnastics goodbye. Consult a sports physiologist to establish your specific attributes.

3. Step3

   Spend years and years working at your sport. Develop all aspects of fitness, strength and endurance. Incorporate crosstraining into your regime to prevent boredom and injury.

Lyndsey Vonn

1. Step4

   Believe in yourself. Have your mental game ready, be tough in every aspect, refuse to give up.

2. Step5

   Attend a sports academy. These schools provide intensive training in the sport of your choice at the high-school level. The experience, exposure and coaching that you get will qualify you for a college that excels in your sport.

3. Step6

   Work with excellent coaches to develop your skills. Hire a sports psychologist to help you set and reach goals. Hire a private coach if needed. See 16 Set Goals.

Evan Lysacek

1. Step7

   Make the national team in your sport and train year-round (there is no off-season for an Olympian). Be able to perform well under incredible pressure and fend off all other competitors until you make the Olympic team.

2. Step8

   Change your citizenship. It may be much easier to qualify for a spot on the Pakistani sailing team than on the U.S. team. Some countries ask for proof of ancestry, such as a grandparent born in the country.