I was in London during the 2012 Olympics, and have never before felt such a captivating energy of a city and a nation so engrossed in celebrating the success of an elite group of athletes. Less than 12 months later, I witnessed the emotion of Wimbledon 2013 that was special for a vast number of people willing one man to lift the famous trophy on that glorious summer afternoon. More recently, I was fortunate to be part of yet another moving experience on an equally sunny day in Nottingham with an emotional rendering of that anthem “Jerusalem” to honour the 11 men who confirmed the return of a small urn to these shores with an inspirational performance on a field of cricket.

Different times, different sports, similar emotions. What is it about sports and sportsmen (and women) that has this magical ability to inspire and unite millions of ordinary people without the promise of any personal gain other than a warm fuzzy feeling at the end of it all? This phenomenon transcends nationalistic fervour, although that is part of this. But it is so much more as well. It is the acknowledgement of the achievement of these select individuals who have dedicated their lives in the pursuit of perfection in their trade, and for that short period of time, have risen above everyone else to become the best. Because we recognise that is not common, we stand up to applaud the special.

Young people take to sports each day for a variety of reasons. The need to be part of a group, to have fun, to compete, to stay fit are all great reasons to start. There has be a greater reason to continue. Of course, ability and talent are required – without these, sports can be very frustrating. Some of it is innate, some can be coached, and even more can be learnt through practice and repetition. There is no shortage of talented youngsters being introduced to sport. A lot of investment is further provided for development of sports at the grass root levels – in schools and clubs and local associations.

Ambition is required. Without knowing where they are going, aspiring youngsters do not realise how far into the journey they have come, and how much further they have to travel. You are taught to keep score in every sport, because it provides the context. Goal setting is that context.

Every sports coach will tell you that hard work and dedication are vital to succeed in sports. That extra lap, that additional drill, that last practice is always important. The hope is that you become so familiar with the process that it becomes instinctive in competitive situations.

Mental strength and focus are equally important ingredients. Finding ways of combating pressure to thrive in difficult situations allows them to compete better and excel.

Reading about elite athletes, it is evident that they share all these traits without exception. But to me, one trait is universal.  Through their careers, each of them demonstrated a passion that remained undimmed. You need a very strong reason to get up at 4 am to go to the gym, stick to strict diets, not go out with friends and resist the temptation of that pint of beer. They were able to retain the enjoyment of the sport because of their passion. It is what allows them to push themselves beyond temporary limits and challenge themselves to become better today than what they were yesterday, and that made it all worthwhile. And ultimately, their passion brings all their other abilities together to reach the pinnacle.

So the next time you are in a position to guide a young person embarking on this wonderful world of sport, remember to tell them to find their passion.