The Champion as Warrior

October 19, 2005

Merriam-Webster defines champion not what most people think.Yes, champion stands for “winner of first prize,” or “first place in competition.”But its primary definition is WARRIOR, FIGHTER.Plus the meaning I like most, the one that comes before winner of first place - a champion is someone who does battle for another’s rights or honor.Recently, the team I coach ended the UAAP swimming season near the bottom.Another school won first prize.At the risk of sounding overly biased, I believe my swimmers were champions too, perhaps even more so.It was a tough season, with several circumstances outside the pool that hurt our chances.Still, hats off to the victors, who were truly superior swimmers this year.What they couldn’t beat, what was never lost despite facing loss, was the warrior spirit in them that fought for everyone’s honor.

 

I would like to have gone to West Point.Their timeless motto “Duty, Honor, Country,” is awe-inspiring.I visited the military academy grounds many times, and when you stand before the statues of Generals MacArthur, Eisenhower, and Patton, you can feel they embarked on carrying world history on their shoulders.I met many West Point graduates, some were still in the army, and one became my good friend in graduate school.These guys didn’t want war, nor did they have the swagger you’d think a person who survived hardcore combat training would have.But I bet when faced with a call to duty, to defend what is right and true, they would fight to death for me and you.No need for statues.Integrity is immortalized through traditions of gallantry, accountability, and humility.

 

Depending on a company’s culture, teamwork and hard work can be the foundation, or mere catch phrases in memos.Teams turn to leaders when in need of motivation, guidance, and support.Leaders must also get the same backing from the crew, and the entire crew from each another.As Lee Iacocca said, “Boys, there ain’t no free lunches…don’t go spending your whole life commiserating that you got the raw deals. You’ve got to say, ‘I think that if I keep working at this and want it bad enough I can have it.’ It’s called perseverance.”At the risk of sounding overly like a business handbook, these idioms and clichés wouldn’t have legs if they weren’t true.How many of us would want the privilege to serve and endure for others without even desiring a thank you?

 

Presently, our country needs more folks with self-sacrifice and perseverance.In America, sport stars earn tens of thousands in motivational speaking circuits.They retell their moments of glory, vividly convincing the crowd they too can achieve success.But we all know not everyone can be first.I‘m not a sports star, but I am convincing you that everyone can be a true champion.Being persistent, being tenacious for others, but not being self-serving, can only lead to excellence.There is no failure in community.There is success in giving your best.There is always victory in dignity.How do I know?Those who bounce from heartache realize the need for cooperation and develop grander goals.Those who complain only think about themselves and do not know how to dream.

 

There is a mission statement that has become a part of me ever since my first moments as a college freshman, entering the hallowed traditions of the University of California, Berkeley varsity swim team.Our legendary coach, Nort Thornton, keeps a sign on the board that declares this mission.“We want to create an environment where champions are inevitable.”We never won the NCAA crown, despite having the world’s fastest swimmer on the team.But we all learned from an environment that, like West Point, also taught duty, honor, and team.I will never ever let this mission down.Today, I am championing the team I coach, the students I teach, my friends I cherish, the school I represent, and above all, my family and the country I love.I am your warrior forever.

Masters Swimmers

October 17, 2005

I competed in a masters swim competition yesterday.  I kept joking to everyone that the categories shouldn’t be by age but by waistline.

I did okay, but as throughout my swimming career, I always feel I could’ve done better.  Truth is, that was the best my body could move yesterday.  What I could’ve done better is done better in preparing.  September became a “no exercise” month for me for some strange reason.  If only I could’ve swum more regularly, shed some pounds, and worked on my dolphin kick, perhaps I really could’ve done better.

But what the heck…it was only for fun.  We oldies were not trying out for the national team.  Mostly, we were all trying to get our heart rates down and sucking in as much oxygen to help our burning muscles.  We were also all trying to suck in our guts when the girlfriends and wives were smirkingly taking photos.  

Ten years ago, we would’ve all gone out for beers after our swims.  Yesterday, I passed out immediately after my 4pm dinner.  Not one person even considered continuing the day with a gimmick.

When I awoke this morning, I was determined to get back in the pool and train for next year’s masters swim meet.  Then I couldn’t find my swim suit.  Then my back got itchy but couldn’t scratch because my left shoulder was too tired and sore, while my right arm couldn’t reach.  My wake up call…I old.  I’ll go find my swim trunks tomorrow.

“The great teachings unanimously emphasize that all the peace, wisdom, and joy in the universe are already within us; we don’t have to gain, develop, or attain them. We’re like a child standing in a beautiful park with his eyes shut tight. We don’t need to imagine trees, flowers, deer, birds, and sky; we merely need to open our eyes and realize what is already here, who we really are — as soon as we quit pretending we’re small or unholy.” - Unknown.

 

  

Thanks to those tuning in!

October 6, 2005

It is very heart-warming to read positive comments from those kind enough to tune in and check out my blog.  Thank you so much.

As much as I want to add an entry daily, I cannot.  But I told myself I won’t wait near a month till my next excerpt.  I think one time I almost did, and my blog probably looked stale and dead.

I am very much alive.  I’m just not blogging all the time.  There are other ”-ings” I tend to do first.  But please do tune in always.  I am grateful always.

   ”The basic tool for the manipulation of reality is the manipulation of words. If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who must use the words.” - Philip K. Dick