About the Olympian Mindset Initiative
Passion, Vision, Action
At the Olympian Mindset Initiative (OMI), we know that the same three elements that allow Olympian to perform at the highest level, are innate abilities that can be identified and developed in each and every one of us. We know that every young person is ‘Already Wired2Win.’ Our goal is to unlock the three keys to exceptional human performance — passion, vision, action.
Mission & Vision
Our mission is to inspire and equip young people globally, empowering them with Olympian Thinking, enabling them to harness their full potential and positively impact their communities and the world.
Our mission is a world where, as a rite of passage, preteens discover and ignite the Olympian that lies dormant in each and every one of us.
History
The Olympian Thinking framework was created by Marilyn King, a two-time Olympian, after a car accident in 1979 prevented her from physically training for the 1980 Olympics. With no physical training in 5 events, through mental training alone, she placed 2nd at the Olympic Trials for the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. Inspired by this, she embarked on a 20-year exploration of human performance, leading to the development of Olympian Thinking™ and becoming a pioneer in the field. This approach has been applied in three fields, business, education and world peace. Her work includes working with Fortune 500 companies, contributing to the field of accelerated learning and opportunities to contribute to programs at the United Nations. In the early 2000s King also worked with the top, most respected youth service providers in Oakland resulting in the “Dare to Imagine” program, working with at-risk inner-city youth aligning their Olympian Thinking ™ – passion, vision, and action. The success of this program was supported by research and materials developed with McREL, demonstrating the framework’s effectiveness in real-world applications.
Parent Organizations
The Olympian Mindset Initiative (OMI) is proudly supported by two visionary parent organizations: Way Beyond Sports and Pathways To Peace (NPO) recognized by the United Nations. Way Beyond Sports is dedicated to empowering individuals to transcend traditional boundaries in sports, fostering holistic personal development and a deep sense of purpose beyond the playing field. Pathways To Peace, a non-profit organization, has been a pioneering force in the global peace movement, working tirelessly to inspire and empower individuals and communities to create a culture of peace worldwide. Together, these organizations form a powerful alliance that drives OMI’s mission to cultivate Olympian Thinking and systemic change among today’s youth.
Executive Summary
The Olympian Mindset Initiative, supported by the visionary parent organizations Way Beyond Sports and Pathways To Peace, aims to globally empower young people by teaching them transformational thinking skills to achieve their personal goals and positively impact their communities and the world. Inspired by Olympian Marilyn King’s framework for exceptional human performance, the initiative will use a decentralized distribution model to cost-effectively deliver these skills through existing youth service providers. The next phase will launch in the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area, refining the program’s components before expanding nationally and internationally. Through a powerful network of Olympians, supported by Way Beyond Sports and Pathways To Peace, young people will be inspired to think and achieve like Olympians, fostering a global mindset shift in societal aspirations.
Team Members and Olympians
Meet the visionaries behind OMI—dedicated professionals and inspiring Olympians who bring this initiative to life.
Marilyn King OLY
Founder of OMI and The Olympian Peace Team
Eddie Hart OLY
Olympian Messenger
Mari Lopez
Organizational Strategist and Project Manager
Impact and Achievements
Marilyn King’s work internationally in the field of accelerated learning teaching Olympian Thinking has impacted thousands of educators and young people since the inception. The Oakland based, “Dare to Imagine” program and training with Oakland Youth Service Providers laid the groundwork for OMI.
