Two months to go until Rio welcomes the world to its’ shores for the 31st Olympic Games. Only two more months until we get to watch two weeks of the world’s greatest athletes making history once again.

So how are our Olympians looking in the countdown to Rio? Golden girl Jessica Ennis-Hill was looking good at her first competition of the season at Loughborough, with no difficulties from her troublesome Achilles. Jess Andrews qualified for the Olympic team when she won the 10,000m at the British trials and long jump champion Greg Rutherford was fighting fit as he won Manchester’s Great City Games. Great Britain’s swimmers also stormed to success at the European Championships, securing themselves second place on the medals table as Adam Peaty and co achieved seven gold medals.

Needless to say, we’re looking alright. The GB team is very fortunate to have some of the best athletes in the world – some would say we are very lucky. But as Seneca said, ‘Luck is what happens when preparations meets opportunity’ and this applies to the Olympians. True the likes of Usain Bolt are naturally incredibly gifted, but these are gifts that are nurtured and strengthened by intensive training and constant preparation.

However, due regard needs to be given to the challenges of competing in South America – climate, infrastructure and the looming threat of the Zika virus. The athletes of the world will be taking into account all the external factors that could influence performance and their pursuit of Gold. How? Advice and guidance from experts, mentors and sources of intelligence and accordingly adjust their plans in their ambition to win gold.

Similarly, we at ABPM are on hand to be the trusted advisor to your career plans, so please do not hesitate to contact us whether it is with your need to understand options open to you and or, if you are leaders of finance teams, how you may need the right support or resource to enable you to maximise your potential. Here at ABPM, we are dedicated to equipping you with the guidance and preparation that bring out the attributes which allow you to align to achieve your career goals.

Rej Abraham Managing Director