I have just watched Britain’s Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter win the silver medal in the lightweight men’s double sculls.
As anybody that reads my different blogs, you’d know that my objectives are to help others find their passion and then put it to work for them.
Every one of us was placed on this earth with a unique gift to give. Your life’s purpose is to discover that gift and give it!
The Olympics here in my home country have got me thinking. We are privileged to watch athletes competing at the highest level. So much time has gone into their training, their preparation. They then put it all on the line in an attempt to win the gold medal.
Yet the man that is simply filling me with pride, and who is a true example of a man filled with passion and a true champion, is not a competitor. He is part of the BBC commentary team. The man I am talking about is Steve Redgrave. A man that shows even as a commentator he is still pursuing his passion.
Often considered to be Britain’s greatest ever Olympian, Sir Steve Redgrave was the first athlete to win gold medals at five successive Olympic Games in an endurance sport. He won gold at Los Angeles 1984 as a member of the Coxed Four crew, and this was followed by Coxless Pair gold in 1988, 1992 and 1996.
At the age of 38, Redgrave competed in the Sydney 2000 Games and earned an incredible fifth gold medal, this time as a member of the British Coxless Four team.
He might be forgiven for resting on his laurels. But Steve Redgrave, our greatest-ever Olympian, has lost none of his enthusiasm for life, the Games or representing his country.
Sir Steve rightfully was given the honour of carrying the torch into the Olympic stadium at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He passed the flame to seven young athletes, who, in turn lit the cauldron. This was an inspiring feat, as the motto of the Games is “Inspiring a Generation”.
We have had the privilege of not just watching a magnificent performance by team GB at the Rowing, but also hearing the opinions, and the passions of a legend like Steve Redgrave.
Just now I think he just proved the man he is.
Great Britain’s Zac Purchase and Mark Hunter just got pipped on the line by the Denmark Rowers in the men’s lightweight double sculls Final. They still won a Silver for their Team and themselves. An awesome display. But at the end of the race, as they came back to shore, Mark Hunter was virtually legless at the point of collapse. Who would be their like a shot offering support, giving his shoulder, but Steve Redgrave.
Here is a man that will always be an inspiration to others. Over the years, Sir Steve has inspired countless other Olympians to achieve their best and excel at their chosen sport. With heroes like Steve Redgrave to look up to, the world’s Olympians will keep on impressing fans for many years to come. He is what’s great about Britain. He shows why it is so important for each of you to find your unique gift, your passion!
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