I got a chance to talk to 2004 Olympic qualifier in Judo, Rhadi Ferguson, and found myself impressed by how he has balanced academics, training, and planning for his career. The enthusiastic responses to my questions hinted at Rhadi’s drive to make the best of life and to share what he has learned with you.

Rhadi Ferguson was born in Portland Oregon and first practiced Judo between the ages of seven and thirteen. He did not return to Judo until graduating from college in 1997. While at Howard University,

 
   
 

Rhadi balanced school and three collegiate sports including, football, wrestling, and track. There was not a single semester when he was not traveling and competing. In 1998, only a year after returning to the sport, he took his first major Judo victory, placing third in the US Open. A year later he moved to the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center. Rhadi Ferguson has achieved many other significant accomplishments including winning the US National Championships in 2000 and of course, qualifying for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Click here to view his competition resume.

On the academic side, Rhadi Ferguson received an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1997 and then went on to receive a Masters of Teaching in 2002. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D in Education from Capella University. During his Olympic training in Colorado Springs, he has worked as a substitute teacher, a guest lecturer at Denver University, and has provided training advice to some athletes.

Here are some of the responses to questions I asked Rhadi Ferguson about how he got where he is today and what his plans are after the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens Greece.

How do you balance college and training for your sport?
“Sport and life are the same thing. Both require balance. It’s like a walking human chemistry project where you can’t have too much of one thing. You need to be methodical and precise, blending cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains.”

How much longer do you plan to continue participating in Judo at this high level?
“I will probably be done after the 2004 Olympics.”

  
 
 
What are your plans for when you retire and have you been preparing for your transition?
“I have been planning my exit strategy for the past 7 months. I am going to be a strength and conditioning coach. I have created a website at www.trainingtowin.com. I want to share the characteristics and qualities of a champion with others. A lot of athletes don’t realize that their competitive careers will, one day, come to an end. The end will come via retirement, injury, or depletion of funds. At that time, it is imperative for athletes to be ready to transition into the ‘real world’. When people are not prepared for that transition, it’s like not being prepared for		  
 
 
 

competition. You are setting yourself up to lose. At www.trainingtown.com I am allowing athletes to see how important it is to have a plan, a vision, and a purpose for a mission driven lifestyle.”

Do you have any corporate sponsors?
“No. I only request donations from the public through my website which is www.rhadi.com ”

Why did you choose to stick with donations from the public?
“A balanced approach is necessary. Definitely, chase and request money from the ‘big dogs’. But as athletes, we come from the working class – from grass roots America. They are the most likely to support our cause because they can empathize with our socio-economic positioning, with our work ethic, and with our drive. They understand the spirit of the Olympic movement.”

What made the difference between being a great athlete and qualifying / competing in the Olympics?
“Knowing how to win. A lot of people know how to lose and they do it very well, but winners will find a way to win. Michael Jordan is my inspiration in that respect. He always found a way to win.”

Have you faced any obstacles or setbacks and how did you get past them?
“Setbacks are merely setups for comebacks. In August, I had reconstructive knee surgery. In 2002, I got married and one month later moved to the Olympic training center. Life has been somewhat difficult. But with the support of my wife Traci, my family, and my belief in God, all things have worked out for the good.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
  Anything else you would like to tell your fellow athletes?
“I didn’t make the Olympic team in 2000, and more people don’t make it than make it. Don’t allow the making or not making of the Olympic team or the earning or not earning of a medal to define who you are. You are defi