During the ICF Slalom World Championships 2025 we are witnessing the very best athletes take to the water in an effort to be World Champions. Dr Caroline Riot, Director Games Engagement and Partnerships at Griffith University, reflects on what we can learn from the world's best!

1. World-class athletes train for years, often sacrificing personal comforts, to reach elite levels. Their commitment shows the power of hard work, consistency, and perseverance - qualities we can apply in any area of life.

2. Many athletes face injuries, personal struggles, or defeats before reaching the top. Watching them bounce back teaches resilience — the idea that setbacks are not the end, but a setup for a comeback.

3. World championships bring together athletes from around the globe. It’s a celebration of diversity, culture, and mutual respect — reminding us that competition can coexist with unity.

4. Athletes are a great example of how we can all chase big dreams! Athletes often start with humble beginnings, and watching them succeed on the world stage shows that no dream is too big with the right mindset and effort.

5. Championships aren’t just physical — they test mental endurance, pressure management, and focus. Athletes show that mental toughness is as important as talent.

6. The way athletes handle winning — and losing — teaches sportsmanship, humility, and character. You learn how to win with grace and lose with dignity.

Visit the Griffith Sports College to learn more about our program of support for elite athletes: https://www.griffith.edu.au/sport/griffith-sports-college