The individuals recently shown in the series of Sport Wales to inspire our nation shared the same quality. It’s called “stoicism”. They had the ability to endure pain and hardship without complaint or looking for praise.
They accept their circumstances and didn’t accept short term pleasures or easy way outs, they wanted long term foundations in their lives and they were prepared to work hard over time to get the rewards.
They were never on social media saying how great they were, recognition for how great they had done was NOT any concern. They grew to love the process of working hard, grinding out the workouts that were making them well and healthy again. This was more than enough for them.
They made the films to inspire others ONLY, not to take any credit themselves. I deeply admire that.
One of our greatest trainers Barrie King would become one of our greatest ever athletes in the gym, brutal weight training sessions before a further brutal rugby session when Burry Port RFC were the best team around. He was a pro before pro athletes knew what hard training was all about-this was in the 1970’s too!
I once saw Barrie 6am down the harbour on a bike, i thought who’s this beastly athlete on a bike coming towards me? It was Barrie! But more than that he was riddled with cancer but he was determined to smash it with exercise, unbelievably strong mindset he had all his life was still with him even though he was seriously ill.
He never complained once in our chat and my admiration already high, was raised another several levels.
My father always said that respect is only earned over a lifetime and by your deeds. Respect is dictated by others’ experience of you and you must respect yourself too.
Respect is never driving a rented flashy car or the biggest house, that never impresses anyone as it’s fleeting and materialistic. Respect is treating people fairly and serving them to the best of your ability, all of the time, and doing your best work without complaint or for attention.
