In 1987, I had the good fortune of witnessing an athletic performance that has had a profound impact on my life, particularly in regard to how I work with young people in teaching and coaching.
I found a seat in front of the floor exercise area and enjoyed watching athletes of all ages and abilities perform their tumbling routines. As the competition came to a close, the last participant was rolled onto the floor in a wheelchair. Assisted by his coach, the athlete with Cerebral Palsy stood, and positioned himself in the middle of the floor. Bent at the waist, his arms and legs severely contracted, I realized that every muscle in his body was fighting against his will to control them. After helping him stabilize, the coach exited the arena with the wheelchair, leaving him standing alone, facing a full grandstand. A hush tumbled over the crowd as if everyone was thinking, “What is he going to do?” We had watched athletes run, jump, turn cartwheels, perform forward and backward rolls. I too wondered, “What could his constricted body possibly do?” For several minutes all eyes were fixed on this young man, as he attempted to hold his body still. He lifted his right foot, lost his balance, put it back down and steadied himself. A few more long moments passed before he again tried to lift his foot with the same result. At that moment, it was apparent that his floor exercise was to balance on one foot. As if everyone in the stands realized this at once, the energy began to rise in anticipation and support for this courageous Special Olympian. He tried twice more – gaining confidence with each attempt. There was another lengthy pause before his fifth try. When again, summoning all the concentration he could muster to gain control of a body that had never followed instructions, he raised his right foot and balanced on his left for almost 5 seconds. As his right foot came back to the floor, he slowly raised his fists in triumph, accompanied by a smile that lit the hearts of every spectator. The crowd leapt to its feet with a deafening roar! Some people were crying. Some were smiling. Others stared with looks of amazement. But, I knew in that moment that we all stood in appreciation and awe for having witnessed another human being’s courage, will and perseverance to achieve his personal best. Rushing onto the floor, his coach wrapped him in a hug – he stood in her arms for several minutes soaking in the standing ovation. Finally, she helped him back into the wheelchair and they exited the arena, leaving me, for one, feeling richly blessed. (From an article written by Auburn Olympian Reita Clanton.) Our lives are filled with the 'feel good' stories. We are encouraged to want to do better. Our spirits are lifted to greater heights. Experiences like this one force us to realize the things that are the most special.
