Real talk from a real guy....
A kid came into my job last week and said, "Hey don't you run for VCU? I remember you." Initially I was kind of surprised that someone actually remembered who I was. If you know me you know how much respect I've received in 4 years for my accomplishments and achievements as an athlete and you also know how unrecognizable VCU Track & Field athletes are on campus and to other athletes. Most athletes only know of us because of the annual athletic banquet or by seeing our names dominate the performance board in the weight room.
When the kid spoke to me, I didn't realize at the time the significance behind what he asked. Now that I think on it once more, I can't help but think about how important his question was. He actually remembered me but not only me, he remembered what I represented. He doesn't know if he will ever see me again. All he knew I was just another VCU athlete. I didn't catch his name but he did tell me he went to Hermitage High and that he was a hurdler. So I have to go back and catch some meets. Maybe he will be out there. Who knows.
One thing that encounter taught me is that I'm not a insignificant as I once thought I was. Of course you get praise from your team and the athletic department for doing well but when it's all said and done, who else is watching? Who really cares? I've won conference championships, run against now Olympians and won awards for my accolades but when I look at my career I can't really say that I've done something so special that I will really be remembered for being great. My career number are 10.55sec in the 100m dash and 21.13sec in the 200m, both meager numbers to my standards and yet these time shave yet to be surpassed in 2 years. Still the only person who cares about them is me.
I was 20 when I ran those times. I still remember how I felt when I ran both of those times. How surreal it was. I didn't expect to run them at all. I just went out there an ran. It was to my surprise that those times were going to be the fastest times I ran as an undergrad. Injuries the final two years of my career kept me cautious and therefore I was unable to improve those times. Now I have a second wind and I'm breathing deep.
Micheal Johnson, one of my favorite sprinters, said that he never put limits on his performances, times or abilities on the track because he himself didn't even know how fast he could potentially go. Micheal Johnson is arguably the most recognizable track and field name in the history of the sport and the world. He never settled and we all know what he did at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, winning the 200 and 400m dashes in World Record fashion. What an inspiration that kid was to me. Even if only one person remembers me I will be happy. I'd rather be remembered by one than overlooked by 100.
Don't put limitations on yourself or your life. Impossible is nothing. In fact, impossible shouldn't be a word in your vocab. Never take for granted what you have. Never waste your talent or abilities. Never be afraid to fail. Never be afraid to be great. Never allow the opinion of others to deter you from accomplishing your goals.
I'm teaching myself that my rivals are everyone that I run against. That's why I'm working everyday to be better, faster and stronger than everyone I run against. There will always be someone to beat, always. Strive to simply be the best, that's all. If you do that, you will always reach your goals and eventually you will surprise yourself.
Signing off,
D
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