Struggling Athletes: Embracing the Journey of Perseverance

Thank you, dear friend, for your question. It is a deeply personal and universal one that many of us relate to, especially those who have faced significant challenges in life. This story is about a lifelong journey of perseverance and self-improvement, despite never winning in sports.

Gifted but Struggling

Every one of us is supremely gifted in some areas of our lives, even while we struggle in others. I was one such person who was exceptionally unathletic. I was so badly gifted that I never excelled at any sport, be it soccer, basketball, or any other.

I was born strongly handicapped, which significantly hindered my athletic abilities. As a child, I was so uncoordinated that I wasn't even allowed to participate in P.E. until I was a high school freshman. That alone required a divine miracle, political advocacy, and a mountain of luck. Without the intervention of the Pope and the President, I likely would have remained wheelchair-bound.

The Struggle Continued

My eyesight was so poor that a baseball hit to me in the outfield would send me covering my head with my glove, praying that it wouldn't hurt as it fell harmlessly a few feet away. Even if the ball did manage to fall into my glove, it would be dropped due to my lack of coordination. During timed trials, I came in almost last, as the slowest boy in the freshman class.

However, I did manage to beat six other freshman boys who had perfect legs, and that made me satisfied. I always tried my best with the body I was given, and I persevered consistently. I never gave up my efforts to improve, whether it was improving my running times, doing more pull-ups, sit-ups, or lifting heavier weights.

A Battle with Perseverance

I worked for forty years before retiring. The only times I encountered disability were when I was hurt on the job. I consider myself retired, not disabled, as I never stopped trying. Even though I never won a sporting event, I consider myself an athlete because I always gave my best effort, never giving up.

My story is a testament to the fact that perseverance can be a form of sport in itself. It's not about winning, but about never giving up, no matter how tough the battle may be. It's not bad for a handicapped kid like myself. Others were fortunate enough to compete in the National Football League, while some struggled just to walk or fight for their lives. Every one of us who tries is an athlete, even if the only competition is with ourselves.

So, my advice for you and all others who may be struggling in sports or life in general is to simply do your best, at all times, and with all people. Your best will be good enough. No man can do more than his best.