How to be a Hero

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt!” – Special Olympics Player



I found this quote today which inspired me to remind athletes and fans what being a hero is all about. A hero is not the person who you can always count on to make the right shot or the right play at the right time. No, a hero is the person you can always count on to do their best, even when doing your best means taking a risk.

For example, gymnasts are always receiving corrections to improve the execution of a skill. This correction may sometimes be risky and out of their comfort zone. Take a sheep jump for instance; to perform this skill correctly, a gymnast must get completely release their head, meaning drop it back and touch their feet to their head. When done correctly and on a beam, it is an E level skill – that would be the hardest skill a gymnast can perform. Unfortunatly, many athletes cheat this skill and receive an execution deduction and may not receive full bonus. So why cheat? Because of the nature of the skill, when executed to the skill’s full value there is a risk of falling off the beam. The gymnast may not receive full credit for the skill but remains on the beam, avoiding an automatic five tenths deduction for the fall.

This idea brings me back to the original quote. Everyone wants to win, but what are you willing to risk? Hero’s will always go for it! They know that there is an increased risk for a fall but they also know that if they hold back or play it safe, then they are not doing their job to bring in the highest possible score.

Heroes are selfless. They are not always winners but they do what it takes for the team without worry of personal outcome.

Take a look around your team. Who is the hero? I think when you answer that question, the person that comes to mind is not necessarily the most talented or most decorated but they do have the most heart and always perform to the best of their ability no matter the risk. They are brave.

Watch this person, get to know them, and thank them for their influence. Successful teams are not the ones made up of the winners but rather have a roster of hero’s. These teams will have a higher consistency level in the end.

At your next meet watch and learn from your heroes, learn how to be brave, and perform the way you were trained… not just what feels safe.