Hey guys! I came across a short article in Today's newspaper and I find it most appropriate for many of us during this period of time. I don't know how many of you have came across this, but hope you will be inspired and enjoy!
Striving for a goalSome years ago, sports enthusiasts around the world had their eyes on a young pole-vaulter called Billy Olsen. At the age of 19, he had set the world indoor record and it was predicted that he would easily win the gold medal in the 1980 Olympics.
In 1979, he suffered an injury at the tryout and didn't even make it to the team. Down but not defeated, he began looking forward to the 1984 Olympics, but a few months later, he had a bad fall and broke his wrist. Doctors said he would probably never vault again.
Still, he didn't give up. In 1984, he was jumping high, but not well enough to make the team. So once again, he set his sights on the next time around.
In 1986, he broke the world record for 4 times. 1988 was surely going to be Billy Olsen's year. This time he qualified, but to everyone's surprise, he didn't jump well. He never won a medal.
Billy may never reach his goal, but he will always be a winner, simply because he had the guts and the heart to stay with it, no matter how many obstacles blocked his path.
Striving for a goal is a worthy end in itself. By pursuing a dream, we push ourselves to do better and to be better. And even if we never realise that dream, we have the satisfaction of knowing that we gave it our best shot, and that beats sitting on the sidelines by a country mile.
Take care!
Zi Ling.
