Why Former Olympian Princess Anne of Great Britain's Video Message Will Touch Your Heart [Forbes JAPAN]
This column is a full English translation of the article contributed to Forbes JAPAN on July 27th, 2021.
"This is your Olympics. It will be different. But that's not what matters to you. Savor the Olympics, and most of all, enjoy them."
These are the words of Princess Anne of Great Britain, President of the British Olympic Committee, in a video message released on July 19 (local time) to encourage the British delegation.
Though the video was just over a minute long, its impact was profound. Princess Anne's message was dignified and powerful, making the length of the video irrelevant. Her words were heartfelt, offering encouragement and support to the athletes and resonating with people around the world.
Firstly, I would like to share the video message with you. It is clear and easy to understand. Her crisp speech style and low voice carry weight and are comprehensible to many.
"I and the whole nation will be cheering for you...you have all worked incredibly hard for this moment, during the most challenging of times."
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 19, 2021
A message from The Princess Royal to @TeamGB ahead of #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/0G5RHzxs5q
Here is the full text of her message:
"As your President, I would like to wish you every success for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Although I am sad not to be there in person, I and the whole nation will be cheering for you and proudly supporting you from home.
I remember from my own Olympic journey the anticipation and excitement of stepping onto the Olympic stage, but also the single-minded focus on what you need to do. I know that you have all worked incredibly hard for this moment, during the most challenging of times, and I hope you will find the Team GB environment a support and an inspiration for you.
This is your Olympics. It will be different, but not in its importance to you. Savor it, and above all, enjoy it.
Good luck, and I look forward to celebrating your achievements with you in the autumn."
Words That Only a Former Olympian Can Say
Princess Anne’s message, especially this passage, reflects her deep empathy for the athletes:
“This is your Olympics. It will be different, but not in its importance to you. Savor it, and above all, enjoy it."
The Olympics are being held under unique circumstances due to the pandemic. Athletes face restrictions and obligations that add stress and anxiety beyond what we can imagine. Despite this, they have trained hard to surpass their limits.
Princess Anne emphasizes the importance of savoring and enjoying the Olympics. Her background as an Olympian lends credibility to her words.
Princess Anne was the first member of the British Royal Family to compete in the Olympics, participating in the equestrian events at the 1976 Montreal Olympics on Queen Elizabeth's horse, Goodwill. Although she did not win a medal, this experience forged a lifelong connection between her and the Olympics.
For the 2012 Olympics, she served as a director of the London Organizing Committee, contributing to the successful bid. She has been the president of the British Olympic Association since 1983 and a member of the International Olympic Committee since 1988.
Princess Anne understands the athletes' feelings and their preparations for the big day. Her message is not just a noble's kind words but genuine support from an athlete to athletes.
Despite the controversy surrounding the hosting of the Olympics, once it's decided that athletes will compete, the nation and its leaders should support them wholeheartedly while ensuring their safety. I respect Princess Anne's attitude conveyed in her short message.
The athletes' dedication and effort will impact everyone who watches them, embodying values that transcend victory, defeat, and medals. Princess Anne's message underscores that people have the power to overcome anything.
Her presence is truly that of a real “princess.”
This message resonated with many, not just athletes, due in part to its genuine tone and Princess Anne's appearance.
The video was simple and realistic, avoiding any ostentation. Princess Anne was filmed from a slightly angled position, showing her from the chest up, creating a three-dimensional impression. This unembellished style was appropriate to convey her sincere attitude toward the athletes, the public, and the world.
Princess Anne’s attire also left a good impression. Her hair was pulled back in a bun, and she wore a navy jacket with a gold brooch high on her chest, along with a pearl necklace and earrings. Her red lipstick was subtle, matching her low, calm voice.
Her voice, despite some harmonic disorder due to age, was stable and unwavering, providing a sense of reassurance. Each word she spoke with a firm expression carried a crisp and powerful quality. Her relaxed smile at the end of her speech showed the confidence of someone in a position of leadership.
The fact that even simple visuals conveyed strength, dignity, and courage highlights the authenticity of Princess Anne’s presence. It demonstrates the meaninglessness of false dramaturgy and decoration.
A leader’s ability to speak and move the hearts and minds of citizens is crucial.
Athletes have devoted their lives to the Olympics, as have those supporting them. Princess Anne’s message touched my heart as well. While I have my doubts about holding the Olympics under the current circumstances, that should not affect the athletes. I have resolved to pray for their safety and success, hoping they will find something special in this unique Olympics.
Princess Anne also made headlines by announcing she would not attend the Olympics. While the reason was not given, she indicated that political decisions should not interfere with the Olympics, and the athletes should not be caught up in them. Her closing wish to celebrate the athletes' achievements in the fall showed her resolute support.
On July 26 (Japan time), diver Tom Daley from Team GB won the men's synchronized 10-meter platform event, finally earning his long-awaited Olympic gold medal. His victory, and the emotional response it elicited, was a testament to the impact of such dedication.
Princess Anne’s message and her status as an Olympian shifted even my perspective on the Tokyo Olympics. For British athletes, her message likely resonated even more deeply.
This is the kind of voice a leader should have.