Symbolic of the greater community and all its achievements, they represent each drop of sweat fallen,
every pound of fat lost,
diseases cured and
capacity gain.
They are the .001 percent,
the tip of the spear,
the gladiators—our gladiators.
Their choices are seen as extreme, their abilities as exceeding nature.
Yet their lives are characterized by near constant disappointment,
an effort to build a foundation for later success.
To be worthy representatives of us all, they must know defeat and
humble themselves to its teachings.
Continuously, they test and test and test again.
For in the testing lies the answer to the question: How will you be better tomorrow?
Only those who repeatedly ask and accept the answer,
who continue to recognize missteps as
opportunity will realize their true potential.
Fear and ego will stop many as they mistake failure for weakness.
It is through their efforts that we come to understand how our own limitations are contrived,
that we come to understand what's possible.
Then we come to understand what we can choose to be:
Better.
For winning is not defined by metals but actions,
by perseverance, by character,
by
effort.
It does not mean you're unbeatable,
but rather,
that you've been beaten and
continue to rise.