Olympic medals are a backing testament to one’s skills, perseverance, and talent. The highest stage in the sporting world is where any athlete would want to find recognition. However, for the 2-time Olympics rowing gold medalist, Susan Francia, the stage doesn’t seem to be an ultimatum of all. The Hungarian-American champion reveals to hold a rather humbling opinion.

Francia has attained much in her life. A coach, a motivational speaker, and a writer constitute the Olympian’s role as she keeps herself grounded. Following along, today, as her mother stood to receive the award shining the brightest, Francia was reminded of the simplicity, which she revealed during an interview attributed to her mother’s recent feat.

The Olympic rowing star talks about real gold

Katalin Karikó, Francia’s mother, who has stayed by the Olympian throughout her journey had her daughter as a cheerleader recently. On December 10th, Katalin was on the receiving end of a Nobel Prize in Stockholm for her contribution to the COVID-19 vaccine. Talking about the coveted award, Francia spoke about how without all the awards, her mother would still have had the success of helping patients.

“I think that is really what was the most important and same for me. Just being there and growing and knowing that for that one moment in time, I was the best in the world. Even if there had been no flashy medal or all of the Olympic fun and glory,” Francia told Olympics.com. Standing beside her mother throughout the long and slow process, the Olympian realized that they are similar in ways and that training for the Olympics isn’t the hardest of things.

Francia finds similarities

Katalin’s work towards success was a slow progress. She took her time in finding that mRNA could be used to vaccinate people against COVID-19. “Other people thought that I am not successful and it’s not working. But when I was working at the laboratory, I could see the progress and I felt very happy,” Katalin remarked. Francis, having gone through years of training without much recognition, resonated with her mother.

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She spoke about how being on the practice grounds despite everything was something she found her happiness in. “Being around my teammates… and doing something really special. I think I’m similar to my mom,” Francia said. Now that she is a mother of 2, the Olympics rowing medalist realized how parenting can be harder than training ever was. Yet finding it rewarding, Francia continues to find newer ventures in her life.

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