I love the competition, the drama and the adventure of everything Olympic. It goes back to 1980 and the victory of the US hockey team in the winter games. We were a hockey family and therefore, glued to every victory of the Lake Placid journey towards gold. That’s where it all started for me, my love for the olympic flame.
Years later, Mary Lou Retton charmed the world. Our family watched every night even though we were on a family vacation at the time. Each night, at whatever hotel we were at, the television turned on to get the update on how the US team performed.
Over the years, there were Flo Jo, Greg Louganis, the Dream Team, Kari Strug, Michael Phelps, Jamaican Bobsledding, Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Michael Phelps again… all of the stories, all of the glory and all of the training that surrounds these games are astounding.
Yet, in and amongst all of the anthem and cheering, someone’s going home having not achieved their hopes. Someone’s going to lose their stride. Someone’s going to feel like a failure. Someone’s going to test positive to enhancements. Someone’s going to remember this time for the rest of their lives… but with regret.
Life is like this.
We don’t always make the best choices or maintain the endurance we must. So many times people get sidetracked or experience loss only to resolve themselves in quitting.
However, there are those of the heart of Derek Redmond in the 92′ Barcelona Games. Derek popped a hamstring only 175 meters from the finish line. You might remember him refusing to quit and hobbled on only one leg to finish his race… along side him, his father assisted him holding the weight of his pain, disappointment and shame.
This week, Renown continues the quest of “Going Deep” as we’ll discuss our own shortcomings, our own failures. Whether it be a missed opportunity, a bad decision or a failed relationship, we will uncover how to deal with your past. We’re going to deal with your junk.
And perhaps, like Derek, there may be times when you too will have to lean on your father to help you finish your race.
