Impossible? Not in America!

I'm a sucker for the feel-good inspirational movies, I tear up when they start chanting "Rudy, Rudy" and I am inspired when Wallace rings out "FREEDOMMMMMMM!" There are a number of stories, books, and movies that make my inspiration list, and thanks to the U.S. men's 400 Free Relay performance in Beijing I've added another to the list. My wife and I were watching the race live and listening to the announcers from the clip above. As Lezak began the final stretch of the relay I couldn't believe what was happening. First, I was sad that Phelps wasn't going to have the opportunity to try for 8 gold's in a single Olympic games, but second and more importantly, I was angry that the French had talked trash saying they were going to "Smash the U.S." and that they were actually going to do it. Then every thing changed. As Lezak made his final turn and started gaining ground on the French I was on my feet jumping and screaming. As Lezak somehow came from behind to pull off an unbelievable comeback and upset the French I got those same Rudy watching happy feelings. The feelings that come from watching someone endure strife and exhibit unnatural strength and discipline to achieve victory. The feelings that come from watching someone do the impossible.

After I cooled down from my own celebration Jesse and I couldn't stop talking about what we had just witnessed. In the course of our discussion I realized that comebacks and impossible victories like the one we just saw are the American dream. That is what America is all about. I'm not saying other countries don't produce athletes with similar drive and an uncanny ability to perform under pressure, just look at the Chinese divers and gymnastics teams. But there is something about being an American that breeds the thoughts and feelings that anything is possible. It's in our blood, we are all the product of people who had the courage to do the impossible. Somewhere up our ancestry line someone did the impossible. They left their countries, families, and professions to set out for a new land. They weren't sure exactly how they would do it or what would become of them, but they had a dream that life could be better so they came to the land of opportunity. Nothing comes easy, not even in America, but at least here anything's possible. All around us are stories of people rising up and becoming better, escaping and becoming more, believing and achieving what was previously considered impossible. As I watch the games I have found myself cheering along with Visa, "Go World." But when it is all said and done I'm proud to be an American!

An Irish Drinking Song Better Than The Drink

I don't know what it is about the Irish that is so captivating, but they've got me. The title to this post is really quite relative and up for discussion seeing as I don't drink, but I do believe it is the perfect introduction to this song. I discovered this song years ago when I was watching Waking Ned Divine, a funny film about a small Irish town that cons the Irish Lottery, really a must see. The song is called The Parting Glass by Shaun Davey.

There are certain songs that each of us turn to when we need a pick-me-up. When the world is on our shoulders and it feels too heavy to bare, music offers needed hope. I remember lots of late night drives in my 1984 mustard Land Cruiser during my high school years. I would be alone with the windows down, the music up, and the subs bumping and somehow it always brought a smile to my face. I'm sure there are explanations, not exactly sure of the psychology or physiology behind it, but I do know it works. Something about the music helps me to forget whatever it is that seems so daunting and allows me to feel at peace.

There are a couple of different songs that are personally powerful enough to brighten a dark moment, but this is one of my favorites. Both the music and lyrics set me at ease and bring comfort when it is most needed. Please click on the comments link below this post and let me know if you like it!

The Pain That Inspires

No, this blog is not about Tiger Woods or golf. However, his recent performance and the timing of my last post have necessitated a short follow-up on Tiger's mental toughness. After four days of golf it came down to a sudden death on the 19th hole. Rocco Mediate, his competition, could have finished him off with a long putt on the 18th whole, but he missed and Tiger sunk his 15 foot putt to force a sudden death which proved too much for Rocco. Tiger proved his resilience and his mental toughness in this Open that might be the most exciting of his career because of his physical condition and the way it went down to the wire.

Tiger's recent knee surgery left him in a lot of pain that could be seen from time to time on his face after he swung. But he managed to perform under pressure and to not let the pain get to him. This is one of the most impressive demonstrations of mental toughness. There is nothing more distracting than physical pain, but somehow some of the greatest moments in sports have been when athletes overcame pain to deliver incredible performances. I'll never forget Michael Jordan's 38 point game five in the 1997 finals. Jordan was bedridden with the flu and somehow managed to play one of his best games ever which eventually led to another title.

More recently Paul Pierce delivered a similar performance in game 1 of the NBA Finals when he went down with a knee injury that appeared to be the end of his season. However, later that same quarter he came back and inspired and led his team to a comeback victory outscoring Kobe Bryant and rejuvenating the Boston fans.

We all love the stories of people overcoming pain. Our favorite movies are often stories of people who achieved the impossible by overcoming the trials and difficult circumstances they faced. Why do these stories and performances warrant so much attention and admiration? Because they give us hope. Life is tough, and nobody has it easy regardless of background, social class, or education. Every one of us will face something that we think we can't handle sooner or later if we haven't already, and deep down we doubt our ability to overcome. These stories and examples give us hope that we can do it to. So Tiger, thanks for the example because seeing you put up with the pain and deliver down the stretch was inspiring.