Gent’s Talk: Ep 31 - A Sit-Down w/ Donovan Bailey

Welcome to Episode 31 of the Gent’s Talk podcast, where we sat down with track & field royalty Donovan Bailey! Bailey is a two-time Olympic champion, three-time world champion, and two-time world record holder. During our conversation, the Jamaican-Canadian legend discussed life after track, meeting his heroes, and always being a student.

One-Of-A-Kind

As the only person to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame twice, Donovan’s reign as the fastest man in the world helped put Canada on the map, at least in regard to the Summer Olympics. During said reign, he got the opportunity to meet many extraordinary people, including his heroes, Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali. Listen as Bailey recalls a special moment at Muhammad Ali’s funeral where he realized that as much as he has accomplished, there’s so much more to do. So many more lives to impact. Being in the presence of such influential people has been humbling for the track star.

Never one who lacks confidence, Bailey continues to challenge the impossible. Retired for quite a few years now, it’s nice to talk with an athlete who has successfully transitioned out of a sport. Although, he admitted it was a bit easier for him, as he was already acclimated to the business world before track & field.

Self-Motivation

Outside of being physically gifted, staying competitive at the highest level also takes mental strength. When the topic of self-motivation came up, Donovan shared a few questions he asks himself such as: Did I put the work in? Am I prepared? Are the people around me supportive of the goals I have or not?

These are excellent reference-point questions that’ll trigger an honest self-evaluation. He constantly references “putting in the work” because, far too often, he sees a situation where someone wants the praise but hasn’t done the work needed.

“Competition on a world stage is probably the greatest drug that exists on the planet.”
Donovan Bailey on competition

Hi, Haters!

If there’s one thing to take away from this conversation, we must believe in ourselves. By not surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals, you’re doing yourself an injustice. “Don’t let anyone dim your light,” Bailey suggests. Especially those who do not want you to succeed. Donovan, who preaches being a forever student, has learned that the best way to deal with haters is to thank them for their support and move on. “The ones that don’t like you are the ones watching you the hardest,” Bailey laughs, “and the greatest way to disappoint those people is to be successful.”

Please tune into Episode 31 for the entire conversation with Donovan Bailey as he discusses the memoir/biography in the works and his thoughts on kids playing sports. Donovan is also featured as an upcoming coach on CBC’s Canada’s Ultimate Challenge with its first episode going live on February 16.

About Gent’s Talk

Gent’s Talk is available for streaming on Youtube, Spotify, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Apple and Google Podcasts! Episode 31 of Gent’s Talk is presented by Bulova Canada, and supported by Ride Rude. It is filmed at StartWell Studios in Toronto. You can now catch all of Season 1 on all Air Canada flights! Your continued support throughout this journey is appreciated. Thank you!