Olympian Carlin Isles skips Paris to focus on his job in the Stark Prosecutor's Office

The way Carlin Isles sees it, he'll always have Tokyo and Rio.

The world's fastest rugby player won't be headed to Paris as a member of the U.S. men's sevens team for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Instead, the Akron native who grew up in Jackson Township, where he was a track star at Jackson High, is forgoing the games to focus on his new job as director of public relations and community initiatives with the Stark County Prosecutor's Office, with an emphasis on youth outreach.

Isles, 34, competed in Tokyo in 2012, followed by a season with the Detroit Lions' practice squad in 2013, and in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. He said he believes he can make a more positive and lasting impact on the community through his job, which he landed in April.

Isles has a bachelor's degree in communications from Southern New Hampshire University and a master's in business administration from Texas A&M University.

Here he talks about his new job and decision not to go to the Olympics again:

What led to you taking the job?

I love the community. It was, how could I make a difference? But also how could I lead a team, a staff as well, to a goal I felt would not only be important for the office, but for the community as it pertains to crime prevention, and helping kids to understand things within themselves and the community to prevent crime; to be aware of themselves and finding resources and connecting with different organizations within the community.

Why not Paris?

That's the million-dollar question!

My original goal was to go to Paris, but I also was looking at life after sports as well. I want to live my purpose, and for me, it was about how can I make a difference where I'm from? It was about an impact.

I think going for not one but two, I did that for myself.

Now it's about living for others. I achieved my master's and played in the NFL, but I grew up in the foster care system and got adopted. I struggled in school when I was younger.

I think this generation nowadays needs people who have struggled, but made something of themselves to realize that it doesn't matter where you come from, it doesn't matter about your socioeconomic factor, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. You just have to find a way.

Will you be doing any sports commentating during the Olympics?

I might go down and probably do some commentating and just visit different sports venues in Paris.

The next one is going to be in Los Angeles. I'll keep my fitness up, then a year two out from the next Olympics, I'll go back to San Diego, train a little and and get ready for L.A. But if not, I've been enjoying being the director of public relations and community initiatives for the Stark County Prosecutor's Office. I think (Prosecutor Kyle Stone's) office and what he has planned for the community if he gets reelected is going to be beautiful for the community, and I love the impact of what I can do to help in any way I can.

What outreach program does your office offer?

We've started a "What's At Stake" program. Right now, we go to Faircrest (in the Multi-County Juvenile Detention Center in Canton Township).

It helps kids understand things from a holistic viewpoint instead of thinking conventionally and segmenting their decision-making based on how they feel, and not looking at things holistically; thinking beyond the moment. Then they'll be able to make better decisions, but also have self awareness and conflict resolution skills as well.

One thing I've found is, no one wants to take accountability for themselves. They want the easy way out. They want a quick fix and they can't deal with constructive criticism, looking at self.

With this new generation, it's getting people to even think out of the box. Nobody wants to earn it. Nobody wants to fight for it. Nobody has the dog mentality nowadays. People want things handed to them these days. That's not life.

Do you think being a professional athlete gives you an advantage at your job?

Oh, yeah. Being a professional athlete, it gives me an edge over understanding what it takes to be the best you can be, but also the environment and principles it teaches you in dealing day to day with different demographics, because you're dealing with people from all over the world; teammates from England, American Fijians, Samoans.

You have to learn how to communicate with people from different backgrounds, understand people's triggers, and be effective with your communication. You also understand how to be disciplined with your day-to-day things not based on how you feel, but understanding the bigger picture.

I can take that and share it with others.

What advice would you give to first-time Olympians?

Just treat like it's a regular venue. It's going to be the same size of the pitch. The same-sized trail. Don't overcomplicate it.

The thing is, just be you. Be you and take in the moments. Be present in the moments. Be the moments, don't let the moments be you.

Just do what you were born to do. Don't overthink things. Keep things real simple. The main thing is don't over-complicate things, and just be confident.

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com .

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Olympian Carlin Isles skips Paris to focus on his job in the Stark Prosecutor's Office