ABBY DAHLKEMPER ON LIVING IN THE PRESENT AND CONTINUING TO DEVELOP HER CRAFT

Through our “In Their Words” series, we have been catching up with athletes that are leading their sports, to discuss their experience taking part in the games that almost didn’t happen. In this piece, US National Team Player Abby Dahlkemper through her experience as a first time Olympian, and how she continues to work on her craft and cherish her sport.

How was your experience becoming an Olympian?

I am extremely grateful and honored to represent our country and to have been named to the roster, which is smaller this time, these Olympics was like none other. The girls were telling me it would be different since there were no fans and we couldn't really go anywhere outside of our games and practice. But from what I was able to experience, it was just such a huge honor just to be there.

Can you talk through how you tackled the changing circumstances during the past year leading up to the Games?

It was challenging, just trying our best with the resources that we were given, whether that be running in a public field, or using shoes as cones or just something unusual but had to be done because of the conditions. So, even as a national team, we really valued going into camp and the time that we got to train.

I think everyone is just trying their best and their best is good enough. So, I love that. It's always about adapting to the change and pushing through in the best way that you can.

How did your preparation leading up to the Olympics differ from those of the World Cup, did you feel more pressure going into one of these tournaments or the other?

I think it's hard to compare the two. They're obviously the two biggest tournaments in the world that you partake in as a national team. I think you definitely feel pressure, but I have always just stuck with this phrase that pressure is a privilege, and it's an honor to be in the situation that we're in and to prepare for it.

For the Olympics, I think the group was focused, we had training camp in Japan before the Olympics started. So, I think that we were prepared, and we felt good. Obviously throughout the tournament, there were a lot of ups and downs as far as results or and adversities that we had to go through. However, for both tournaments, there was pressure and expectations, which ultimately is a good thing because that drives you to push further and come out stronger on the other side, kind of a win at all costs mentality.

In both tournaments we have seen how far that pressure can take you, but we have also seen the negative connotations of it as well. Lately we have seen more athletes become outspoken about mental health. Do you have any tips or certain things that you like to do to take care of your own wellbeing?

First of all, I think it's incredible that athletes on the biggest stage are able to prioritize their mental health. I think there was a little stigma around talking about mental health and now all this is changing, which like is incredible and it's just going to be better for everyone.

When I feel pressure and stress, I really lean on my loved ones. My husband, close friends, and family, I think it helps to talk through problems and hear their opinions. I also meditate do yoga flows and read to clear my mind; I feel like there's not really one thing. I just guess it's down to what tools I have and how I use them.

During the Olympics we couldn’t go anywhere or do anything, so being in a room for long periods of time just thinking about my performance, what’s at stake and what not was a little difficult. But I think being able to talk about mental health first and foremost is, just great and I'm glad that as a society that's becoming normal.

Do you have any advice for people struggling with setbacks and motivation?

Yeah, I think first and foremost, knowing that it is okay to feel that way and to have setbacks and face adversity, I think it's so important to a person's character and willpower, how they respond to adversity.

I sometimes still must remind myself, that it should be fun, and you should be enjoying what you're doing. So, it's just finding little wins where you can, enjoying the process and trying to be as present in the moment as possible.

There have been a lot of conversation in your sport, what changes do you hope to see in the future of football?

Growing leagues for women around the world and bridging the pay gap of course is something that's big. Women's football is growing so much throughout the world, teams and players are getting better and the competition is just pushing each other further. So, it's exciting, you know, I think there's more exposure than ever for the women's game as well.

Of course, being able to be amongst such strong-willed teammates, fighting for what's right and fair. I think is just incredible and such an honor. I feel so lucky to know such amazing women that are trying trailblaze and pave the way for the next generation to have equal pay and more equality.

Do you believe that football has the power to create positive change?

Yeah, it definitely does. I think, it has the power to unite people, football is the universal game and can change the world for the better, in whatever sense that may be. I feel so fortunate to be able to try and make people around me better and leave the world like a better place than, um, yeah. And to be able to do that through a sport is just incredible.

Currently young athletes are looking up to players like you, aspiring to be like you, do you have any advice for them?

Well, I guess as cliche as it sounds, people have told me this when I was younger, but just to enjoy the process and enjoy the journey. I think all of us are so future and past focused but being in the present is something that is so valuable because you're never going to get that time back.

Just try to enjoy the journey and have fun while doing it. When you're able to do things that you love, it makes it easier and it brings out your best self, and that's contagious. Keep dreaming and keep shooting for the stars. I like to think that anything is possible.

Final question, what's next for you? So you've accomplished a lot already, but there's still a lot in front of you. Can you talk a little bit about your goals, both on the field and personally?

On the field, I'm 28 and I am crossing all my fingers and toes that my best years on the field are ahead of me. I'm a perfectionist and I hate doing something wrong or making a mistake, so I think sometimes I can get hard on myself, but I think, you know, as tough as that may be, I think it's a good thing too, because like I'm never satisfied and always striving to get better.

So, of course I want to win more championships and stay on the national team and perform well and be consistent. So, I think just growing on the field and, and getting better as a player is a huge goal of mine. And that comes down to things that you do off the field, like nutrition, resting and mental health.

Then off the field, eventually when I'm done playing, I would love to have children, with my husband and be a mom one day. For now, I’m just being a dog mom right now. We just got married in January too, so it's been just such a blessing to like to have my life partner with me and to know, that he's been there throughout our journey and I've got his back and he's got mine.