Building and sustaining high performance environments: the ‘road’ from London 2012 to Rio 2016

The aim of this paper is to explore the lessons learned from London 2012 about the nature of the performance environment, how it is created and sustained to enable individuals, teams and squads to reach their optimal performance and achieve success. More specifically, in the light of ?hope theory? and through a reflective conversation with Andrew Parsons, the President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, we focus on the goals and pathways established, agency thoughts and challenges faced in London 2012. Complementing these reflections, we analyze the aspects guiding the Brazilian Paralympic team?s preparation and expectations 'for Rio 2016'. We hope that the experiences shared by Andrew Parsons inspire you to consider the complex dynamics of high performance environments whilst providing opportunities for the deconstruction of taken for granted practices. The aim of this paper is to explore the lessons learned from London 2012 about the nature of the performance environment, how it is created and sustained to enable individuals, teams and squads to reach their optimal performance and achieve success. More specifically, in the light of ?hope theory? and through a reflective conversation with Andrew Parsons, the President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, we focus on the goals and pathways established, agency thoughts and challenges faced in London 2012. Complementing these reflections, we analyze the aspects guiding the Brazilian Paralympic team?s preparation and expectations ?for Rio 2016?. We hope that the experiences shared by Andrew Parsons inspire you to consider the complex dynamics of high performance environments whilst providing opportunities for the deconstruction of taken for granted practices.