The 2012 Olympics are now coming to conclusion and with the closing ceremony many of the world’s greatest athletes have proven themselves as unforgettable either by their tremendous victories or agonizing defeats.
Over the last few weeks those of us who have witnessed portions of these Olympic games have seen greatness in a number of its respective fields.
Of the many great performances I had the opportunity to witness, there are three Olympians that have inspired me most in these 2012 games.
The first is Oscar Pistorius. Oscar is a double amputee sprinter from South Africa who represented his country on the track last Saturday. Oscar didn’t receive any medals at these games, but was quoted saying that the real reward was just being there.
Second is the South Korean archer Im Dong Hyun, who only has 10 percent vision in his left eye and 20 percent his right. He is legally blind. Never mind this seemingly tremendous disadvantage because he set the first world record of the 2012 Games, by breaking his old record to take the gold. Regardless of his impaired sight, Im Dong Hyun is the best archer in the world.
Third is Natalia Partyka, who was born without a right hand or forearm. In London, she represented Poland in table tennis, participating in her second consecutive Olympic Games.
There is one additional story about an Olympic athlete that I’d like to share.
It’s important to know that Oscar wasn’t the first disabled South African to make an impact at the games in recent history. Natalie du Toit was already a competitive swimmer when she lost her left leg in an accident twelve years ago. After recovering from the accident, Natalie refused to give up her passion for swimming and began training again, switching her focus to long distance races. In 2008, Natalie competed in the 10k Open Water Swimming event finishing 16th. Unfortunately, she did not qualify for the 2012 games.
All to often many of us give up our hopes and dreams when our circumstances change and/or take a turn for the worse.
Instead of persevering we capitulate.
Instead of believing we doubt.
Instead of pushing forward we drop back.
Why is that?
Given their circumstances, the four Olympians above were presented a couple of tough choices.
- Slip into the shadows singing the familiar tune of ‘woe is me’
- Accept the reality of their circumstance and recalibrate their ‘purpose compass’ to still aim at the achievement of greatness!
Oscar, Im, Natalia and Natalie I salute each of you! You all are true examples of perseverance and greatness.
These Olympians have inspired many and fully proven that greatness can be achieved by choice.
So the question for the rest of us is…
What choice will we make?
About the Author:
Linal Harris
Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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Great post. Seems like the only choice we can make is to do the best we can to be the best we can. Self actualization is a duty to never be left derelict.
Thanks for sharing. Great info.