This week, Hurricane Debby brought the threat of heavy rain and floodwaters, robbing us of our final days of summer outdoor activities. Indeed, as I write these words, the wind is howling, a reminder that we are at the storm’s mercy, and I know that Debby will likely wreak its havoc on our state, possibly resulting in tragedy for some.
I, though, see the positives of the storm’s timing. These storm days afford us the opportunity to enjoy the end of the Olympic games and to prepare for the school year ahead. While I respect the power of a big storm, I anticipate that the calm that follows Hurricane Debby will nicely coincide with the start of the school year, easing our children’s transition back to school. I, for one, also find inspiration in the Olympic games as I face the year ahead. I would like to share one Olympic highlight, in particular, with you and your children as a guidepost on how to mentally prepare for school.
Cole Hocker shocked everyone when he won the gold medal this week in the 1500-meter race and established a new Olympic record. With less than 300 meters remaining, Hocker, a runner from the University of Oregon was in third place. He was blocked by runners both in front and beside him with no room to make a move. Moreover, the pace of the lead runners was faster than ever, a 54.6 second split on the first lap.
As the runners approached the backstretch, reigning Olympic Champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen, the runner immediately in front of Hocker on the rail, blocked Hocker’s attempt to pass on the inside with a push, causing Hocker to stumble, but he quickly regained his footing, albeit at a slower pace and still boxed in. In the final 150 meters, though, the current world champion Josh Kerr started to overtake Ingebrigtsen, and that distraction for the leader, along with his glance at the time, caused him to drift to his right, giving Hocker a narrow pathway to pass on the inside. Hocker not only recognized the split-second opportunity but also seized it, overtaking Ingebrigtsen on the inside and charging to the finish line to the raucous cheers of an explosive arena.
Beyond the sheer inspiration of Hocker’s performance, I believe that there are important takeaways.
First, Hocker defied expectations by setting a goal and adhering to it. Second, Hocker believed in himself. He had always been a good finisher, so bolstered by his own self-confidence, he soared to victory. Third, Hocker took advantage of his opportunities.
Hocker was not expected to win. He had finished the Olympic semifinals race with the sixth fastest time, so he was a bit of a longshot. Yet, by running a smart race, by training daily, and by seizing the opportunities available, he literally found a pathway to win. He stayed focused, not on his time, according to post race interviews, but on finishing first. By doing so, Hocker pulled off the upset and made Olympic history.
Likewise, our children must set specific goals for the school year ahead: to run a smart race, to take advantage of opportunities, to put in the daily hard work, and, perhaps most importantly, to believe in themselves. As parents, we can be that raucous, supportive crowd that most certainly plays a part in any victory.
I urge you to watch and discuss Hocker’s race with your children – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sb32uxUO10 – so that they, too, can benefit from his inspiration and modelling. Winning today rarely happens by coincidence. Instead, winning is plotted and planned by focusing on what matters – study habits and a solid game plan – and by recovering from any stumbles and ignoring the time splits (grades) and distractions. Let’s start this school year inspired.