We’re halfway through the Olympics, with all the usual drama – highs, lows, special interest stories - and even a surprise hero in Yusuf Dikec at the 10-meter air pistol (the memes have been strong with this one). As I was talking with my children this week, one of them asked, “So dad, what sport would you do if you could wake up, not have to change anything about yourself, but could be at the top of a sport?”

Wow, good question.

This led to a discussion about the myriad of sports that we don’t normally watch, or quite honestly, had no clue it existed at the Olympic level. (I’m looking at you Trampoline, Canoe Slalom, and Flag Football - coming in 2028). The answers were surprising as we went around the room. One child said that they would do rowing. Another mentioned the new sport, Break Dancing, or Canoe Slalom. After a few minutes, they realized that I hadn’t given an answer yet. “Tick-Tock dad.”

I enjoy my indoor rower for exercise, so rowing was a reasonable option. There was also my newfound interest in the 10-meter air pistol thanks to Yusuf. Fencing is just cool. And Badminton is intriguing simply for the speed and reflex required.

But then I finally realized what I’d probably want to compete in given no limitations. And not just one event, but an event of events. The Modern Pentathlon. Fencing, swimming, equestrian show jumping, running, and laser pistol shooting. (BTW, did you know that the competitors have to ride a horse that they’ve never met before?) It’s such an interesting mix of events.

As we talked about it, I realized that one of the reasons the pentathlon appealed to me is because of that variety. I admire athletes that dedicate years of their lives perfecting their skills at one sport, but I don’t think it’s something I could do. In life, exercise, and work, I enjoy variety and making connections across different disciplines and interests.

Now, I don’t know enough about biomechanics to understand if somehow the skills needed for each of these events correlate in some way with each other. But I imagine that the focus and quick reflexes of fencing, for example, correlate with the ability to shoot a target in the middle of a run.

I see the same thing in my professional career. Over time, as I’ve gained knowledge and experience in one area of technology, it often has a positive impact on my abilities in another area. Particularly as the speed of change increases within our profession, I see the need for this cross pollination more and more. And, as I’ve said often, community plays a big part in how I get exposed to developing areas in the data platform space. Conferences, conversations, and well curated emails with links to new trends are just some of the ways that I stay sharp and keep from atrophying in any one discipline.

There are many opportunities coming up this fall to make some of those connections for yourself. SQL Saturday events continue to increase, there are some excellent webinars to consider, and even a larger event like PASS Data Community Summit in November is available to attend. Nearly every positive change in my career over the last 18-20 years started because I was in the right place to hear and learn about a new aspect of technology and data. There’s just something about being in a space with many people that have diverse skill sets, all desiring to spur others on. It’s a catalyst for growth and change.

I’ll leave you with two questions consider this week as the Olympic games head into the final week of competition.

• Where do you find opportunities to learn from other related skill sets in the data community?
• What sport would you compete in if you woke up tomorrow with the skills to perform at an elite level?

Cheers!