“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop
At a cross-country race in 2012 Kenya’s Olympic steeplechase bronze medalist Abel Mutai was confused with the signage and stopped just short of the finish line thinking he had won the race; but he hadn’t finished. Not far behind him in second place was Iván Fernández of Spain. He realized what was happening and started shouting at the Kenyan for him to continue running; but, not knowing Spanish, Mutai didn’t understand. Instead of passing Mutai for the win, Fernández helped his opponent and guided him across the line first, pushing him to victory.
A journalist asked Ivan, “Why did you do that? Why did you let the Kenyan win?”
Ivan replied, “It wasn’t that I let him win; he was in the position to win”. The journalist insisted again, “But you could have won!” Ivan looked at him and replied, “But what would be the merit of my victory? What would be the honor of that medal? What would my Mom think of that?”
Ivan didn’t lose on purpose; he honored the victory of his competitor as he silently celebrated his own triumph in second place.
Maya Angelou once said; “Everything you do that leaves a handprint or a heart print is your legacy. There’s a chance to make a difference daily by building a legacy as a giver and supporter of others.”
The running world is one big community and no matter where someone is from they share a special connection. Even in races, runners will stop to lend a helping hand if a competitor has fallen or taken a wrong turn. These moments of sportsmanship are what make running such a wonderful sport. It turns out that a lot of runners would rather help their opponents than beat them due to a fall or mix-up.
Imagine what a different world we would live in if we all worked together toward the greater good.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple in the moment of life. Make someone smile today.
To Your Success,
Peak Performance Coach