MEDIA RELEASE

Inside the mind of a champion
Olympic gold medalist, author shares inspirational account of journey to the podium

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Will. Determination. Dedication. Endurance. These are all words often used to describe an Olympic athlete. For world champion and American high jump record-holder Charles Austin, his journey to a gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games would require even more. A debilitating physical injuryand family struggles all threatened to hinder Austin’s chances for athletic achievement. Yet maintaining his mental focus and a strong determination, Austin was able to triumph over every setback he experienced in life.

Austin recounts his long and trying path to success in his new book, Head Games: Life’s Greatest Challenges (Turn Key Press, September 2007, ISBN 978-1-933538-98-3, $13.95), an autobiography exploring the mental and physical battles and victories he endured during his career as a professional high jumper. Austin lays out the 10-point plan that enabled him to achieve his life goals, which he encourages other young athletes to follow.

“I really want to reach young people with this story,” says Austin, who is the father of three boys, “especially those from similar rough backgrounds. I know for me, those years as a young teen were the most important in determining my path into a positive adult.”

Growing up without a father, he watched as his mother struggled to support their family and learned early on the importance of a strong work ethic. He took odd jobs throughout high school to help with finances and immersed himself in sports and school, eventually earning a college scholarship that would pave the way for his future.

Austin also faced obstacles in his career life. As a high jumper, he struggled with a torn tendon in his knee. The injury stirred questions about his abilities and strained his confidence, eventually costing him a medal at the 1992 Olympic Games and the eligibility to compete in the 1993 World Championships. Austin says facing these hardships did not deter his dreams, but only strengthened his desire to succeed.         

“I learned to achieve desired outcomes by staying focused, believing in my ability, working hard, making the right choices and not relying on luck or someone else to do it for me,” says Austin. “I realized I was blessed with a physical ability and it was up to me to make the most of it.”   

Austin is the founder and owner of So High Inc., a sports and fitness companyin San Marcos, Texas. He is a certified personal trainer and has worked with professional athletes including David Robinson, John Starks and Allan Houston. Austin was a three time Olympian (1992, 1996, 2000) and was the high jump gold medalist at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga. He is the current Olympic and American high jump record holder and was a six time consecutive U.S. outdoor track and field high jump champion. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Southwest Texas State University and resides with his wife and three sons in San Marcos, Texas. For more information, visit charlesaustin.net

To schedule an interview, speech or to receive a review copy of Head Games: Life’s Greatest Challenges,
please contact Charles Austin at (512) 392-7080 or email info@charlesaustin.net

MEDIA RELEASE

Going for the gold in life
Olympic gold medalist, author reveals 10-point plan for mastering your toughest opponent

SAN MARCOS, Texas –Whether you are starting a new business, training for a marathon or just trying to lose a few extra pounds, achieving the goals and dreams you have set for your life can be a difficult challenge. Reaching that next level in your career or personal life requires commitment and hard work and for many, it can seem impossible to overcome the setbacks and distractions along the way.

Charles Austin, an Olympic gold medalist says the path to success must be paved with a structured plan, one that includes realistic goals and a vision for the future. In his new book, Head Games: Life’s Greatest Challenges, Austin reveals the steps he followed on his journey to winning the gold medalat the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. He recounts the mental and physical battles he faced and the satisfaction he felt after overcoming every challenge.

“It’s all about finding ways to stay motivated and focused,” says Austin, who has trained professional athletes like David Robinson and John Starks. “Having these motivational guidelines and tools is especially important when you are relying on yourself rather than other teammates or staff members for support.”  

As a professional high jumper, Austin worked through hardships in his career. When a debilitating knee injury cost him a medal at the 1992 Olympics and major surgery threatened his ability to compete again, Austin was forced to battle back on his own. He continued to train himself and competed sparingly, pushing himself to return to the Olympic Games.

In Head Games, Austin lays out a 10-step roadmap to help readers accomplish their goals and reach their dreams. From finding a passion, to benchmarking your competition, Austin says these guidelines will help individuals develop a high level of confidence and put them in the right mindset for success.

“I came to understand that some people dream of being successful while others take that dream and make it a reality,” says Austin. “The only way to do it is by mastering the toughest opponent you face in achieving your goals and that is your state of mind.”

As a source, Austin can discuss:

Austin is the founder and owner of So High, Inc., a sports and fitness companyin San Marcos, Texas. He was a three time Olympian (1992, 1996, 2000) and was the high jump gold medalist at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga. Austin is the current Olympic and American high jump record holder and was a six time consecutive U.S. outdoor track and field high jump champion. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Southwest Texas State University and resides with his wife and three sons in San Marcos. For more information, visit charlesaustin.net

To schedule an interview, speech or to receive a review copy of Head Games: Life’s Greatest Challenge,
please contact Charles Austin at (512) 392-7080 or email info@charlesaustin.net