Let’s jump right into episode 3 of Gents Talk as we thank Canadian footballer Jonathan Osorio for making time in his busy schedule to have a sit down with us! Jonathan, a member of Toronto FC and the Canadian men’s national soccer team, will be joining the rest of Team Canada, for the first time since 1986, in heading to the FIFA World Cup in November, and Jonathan has been an integral piece in showcasing Canadian football talent for the world to see.
Reserved Footballer
As human beings, we are a curious bunch. If we don’t get answers, we formulate them ourselves, and a cool, calm, and collected Jonathan touched on some of the negatives of being so reserved all the time. During the interview, he talked about some of the difficulties growing up playing soccer in a hockey-dominated country.
Jonathan Osorio played a pivotal role in helping Toronto FC lift its first MLS Cup title in 2017, and credits this FIFA qualification as a huge step in soccer for Canada for years to come. He believes that performing on the world stage will finally give young soccer fans something to dream about. It makes it “more achievable, and more realistic”.
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See Also: Gent’s Talk: Episode 2 – Toxic Masculinity
The Darker Side of Sports
“If you’re not mentally strong, if you’re not experienced or never dealt with that [social media], it could play with your mind.” Osorio stated, “Your mind is your biggest tool. You need that fresh and open every time you play, or else you’ll play at a disadvantage.”
What really grabbed our attention was when Jonathan touched on the darker side of sports and how professional sports is a business. He got into his Canadian-Columbian background, social media, and the importance of keeping your body healthy. Pointing out that if you’re not feeling well physically/mentally, life outside of the pitch doesn’t matter. It’s evident that once you get on the pitch, the only thing that matters is that you perform. On advice to young athletes: “Always be curious. Question everything and keep learning.”
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About Gent’s Talk
Gent’s Talk is available on Youtube and Spotify! We will be available on Apple and Google Podcasts shortly. Episode 3 of Gent’s Talk was created in partnership with Startwell co-working space in Toronto. We’d also like to thank Bulova Canada and Gotstyle, for providing us with eloquent timepieces and stylish outfits. Thank you for taking the time to listen, and please hit the like, follow, subscribe, and share!
