Building a Team in an Individual Sport We are on day four of the World Championship. The days have been long and sleep as been short! ☹ I apologize to the many parents I have not been able to connect with. I just wanted to send this quick update on the five BAAC athletes that are representing Team Canada. This was their first World Championship and I was very impressed with the tenacity and spirit shown by all of them. But I have been most impressed with the caring and support they have showed to each other throughout this tournament. They shared the joy of each victory and were always there to support the emotional fallout from each loss. They carried their teamate’s equipment, helped each warm up and stayed with each other to make sure no one was ever alone. One experience that was most touching for me was observing the team with Haytham. Some may not know that Haytham experienced a difficult start to the week. The day before his first bout, he slipped on the floor of his room and fell headfirst into his bed railing. The impact was quick and resulted in a badly swollen eye socket and eyebrow. After many ice sessions, the swelling had subsided only slightly. It looked like he would not be able to compete. Haytham was devastated and my heart went out for him. Like all members of my team, he had prepared for over 8 months for this pincile event. He had trained throughout the month of Ramadan; managed to keep this up during our travels through Spain and Morocco even if it meant training in a stairwell or a hotel balcony; and sacrificed much over the last 6 months. Then in one swift moment – he faced a hardship no athlete should have to endure at that age. After assessing the injury – which was all soft tissue – he decided to try to compete. The medical staff barely cleared him but watched his bout very carefully. While the victory was not meant for this day – he kept his wits about him trying to stay on the outside and not get hit while trying to steel a decision based on jabs and movement. I was proud of him for trying his best and never giving up. But what was most inspiring for me was to see the support and caring his teammates gave him before, during and especially after his bout. They were proud of his courage and of his determination to endure. They continued to do this for each other all week long. We managed to qualify one athlete into the Finals tomorrow. I just finished her briefing a few minutes ago. She is excited – but not only for herself - she is proud to represent the many teammates she now considers part of her extended family. Even while participating in an individual sport – these young athletes exemplify the definition of team!
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 23:36:38 +0000