Watch The Losers
Not everyone wins. But that doesn’t make you any less phenomenal.
Tamari Davis and Kyree King. Do you recognize these two names? You probably don’t know these world-class athletes unless you follow track and field closely. They are the fastest women and men in the world and will not be running the 100-meter dash at the Olympics.
Chances are you’ve heard of Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles. They’re currently among the fastest in the world and will represent the United States in the 100-meter dash at the Paris Olympics. What’s the difference between Richardson and Davis and Lyles King? .2 and .14 seconds, respectively. That’s not much time, considering there are 86,400 seconds in each day. But it’s enough time to recognize and remember two of these names and not the others.
Track & field is one of the most brutal sports for reasons like those above. Months and years of training can feel thankless and unrewarding in less than 12 seconds. Track is one of the only sports where unless you’re top 3 finisher, you’re regarded as a loser by societal standards, even though you can do what less than 1% of the world’s population can. For this reason, it is fundamental that these athletes run their best race and find satisfaction beyond their results.
We who aren’t world-class athletes can also find solace in our best efforts. We may not be recognized worldwide or even locally. The truth is that most of us are the losers concerning notoriety and accolades. But we are also rare. We are unique. Nobody can be you better than you can be you. You certainly can’t be a better me than me.
We only get one race—one day, one opportunity at a time, one life. We must recognize this daily and take advantage of the 86,400 seconds we have. That could mean getting around to investing in the dream you’ve had for years or taking time to rest, which is also vitally important. Whatever it is, make it count today.
So, as we watch the Olympic trials and the Paris Olympics, keep an eye out for the “losers.” They’re accomplishing something phenomenal, too. Their journey represents us, too, if we’re willing to exert the dedication and resilience to overcome obstacles. Every athlete on that stage, regardless of their final standing, embodies the spirit of perseverance within all of us.