Ciara MICHEL (GBR)

Olympian Artist – Photography: Tokyo 2020

Ciara Michel's artworks
Picture of Ciara Michel
Picture of Ciara Michel

MORE THAN AN ATHLETE 

Jordan Larson, Sheilla Castro and Tayyiba Haneef-Park are two-time Olympic medallists. While they are exceptional athletes, they also have many other strings to their bow. Each story begins with talent and a dream; each protagonist is tested by failure, strengthened through hard work, supported by family and challenged by competition. Every Olympian has a story that begins long before the Games and will continue long after. And every Olympian is so much more than an athlete. © Ciara Michel
Ciara Michel's artworks
Ciara Michel's artworks
Ciara Michel's artworks

Questions and answers

What does being an Olympian or Paralympian mean to you personally? How does it define your approach to life and how you view yourself and the world?

To me, being an Olympian means always carrying myself with pride. No matter the situation I find myself in, be that on court, in a social setting or in a creative setting as an artist, I approach obstacles with fresh eyes. Knowing that I started out as a complete amateur and over the years climbed to the pinnacle of my sport gives me confidence that anything is possible and that, with determination, I can find a way to make the best of any situation.

When we talk about “Olympic culture”, what does that mean to you? How do you explain to people that the Olympic Games are more than just a sports competition?

Olympic culture to me means mutual respect among athletes for their sacrifice, discipline and determination. Just as the competitors are more than just athletes, the Olympic Games are more than just a sports competition; they are a celebration of strong values, hard work and international cooperation.

If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

If I could go back in time and give one piece of advice to my younger self, I would tell her she’s capable of anything she puts her mind to, so she should just be bold and go for it!

Are there parallels in your approach to your art and your approach to your sport? Or do you find that the two dimensions bring/brought out totally different sides of your personality?

I always felt blessed to build a career out of the sport I love. Now, as I am approaching the end of my athletic career, I hope to build a new career based on passion, combining volleyball and photography/videography. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life!

Art of painting

Olympian Artists

Olympian Artists are people who are both artists and Olympic athletes.