(July 22, 2011 - Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images Europe)
I’m not someone who’s necessarily inspired by sports stars, but Cadel Evan’s magnificent win in the Tour de France is inspirational.
The grit, determination and dogged bloody-mindedness that makes him get back on his bike after crashes, injury and gruelling days climbing mountains is almost incomprehensible. Over the length of his career he’s given us so many lessons in not giving up, never saying die and being able find the positives even in the face of adversity.
I love his line ‘My tour to win or mine to lose.’ The responsibility was all his, resting on his legs and his mental toughness. I hope he does come back to Australia in 2012 to compete in the Cycle Down Under Tour. It’s good to be reminded that anything’s possible if we’re prepared to follow our dreams and never take no for an answer.
Suzanne, your nephew must be a remarkable young man!
It’s easy to think writing has nothing to do with extreme sport, but we persevere, quite often in isolation in our writing spaces, we get back up after rejections, and we never give in 🙂
And that’s a deal, Suzanne!!
That’s a lovely saying, Sandy. Talent is one thing, but the passion that keeps driving him (and other high achievers) is what makes the difference.
Hi Helene,
Yes, never give up. I think I can, I think I can and she puffed right over that hill. lol lol..
But, yes. My hubby’s nephew Simon Gerrans was in the tour de france, he won the tour down under a few years ago. The stamina, the determination is unbelivable.
Okay, so I must never give up… Done deal 🙂
It’s like the old saying ‘you live the life you choose’. Which so many people don’t seem to get. When Cadel has been faced with a challenge he chose to go on, not give up. He chose to sacrifice certain personal luxuries and enjoyments to achieve his goal. He’s done the hard yards, with more to come. I’m sure he’s lucky enough to have been granted the gift of a passion (in this case cycling), but still, more power to him I say. 🙂