I think we’re all called to be the best we can be – by developing both our talents and our character. This week I was inspired by two sports examples. Of course, it doesn’t matter whether you or your child(ren) choose to develop your talents and character through sports or through another avenue.
Skater Brandon Mroz Pushes the Limits
I first met Brandon Mroz in 2005 when he was competing at the Broadmoor Open skating competition in Colorado Springs. He was also a volunteer runner for the Broadmoor Open, and I was the chair of the runners. I remember Brandon as having lots of talent and confidence even then.
That same year, Brandon’s mother and brother were in a serious car accident. According to Brandon’s profile at icenetwork.com, that accident (which left his brother with a spinal-cord injury) taught Brandon “to be strong, trust God and stay focused.”
Brandon, 2009 U.S. men’s silver medalist, has become known for his quad jumps. This week, it seems that the biggest figure-skating news on Twitter has been Brandon’s landing of a quad lutz at the Colorado Springs Invitational last Friday, September 16. Even though the Colorado Springs Invitational isn’t an international competition, it’s possible Brandon’s quad lutz will be recognized as the first official quad lutz landed in competition: Top skating official says Mroz could jump into record books.
According to a tweet from @USFigureSkating, (image at top of post), the video of Brandon’s quad lutz had already become the second most popular video on the U.S. Figure Skating YouTube page two days ago.
In case you haven’t seen it, here’s Brandon’s quad lutz:
Amazing how easy he made that look!
About the quad lutz, Brandon said:
“I was at a point where my technique was well established. I just decided to try, and I guess I’ve been successful. I like jumping, I like pushing boundaries. Maybe by doing these quads I can push the sport a little.” (The Inside Edge: The new quad king)
“Expect Things of Yourself” Word-Art Freebie
Runner Josh Ripley Shows Character
Not to take away from Brandon’s or anyone else’s character, but an outstanding example of character showed up on my Yahoo news page yesterday morning. This story was also from a competition last Friday, September 16.
In the middle of a cross-country meet, Minnesota high school runner Josh Ripley stopped to carry an injured rival to help before returning to finish the race: Runner carries injured foe half mile to help in middle of race.
I love examples like Josh Ripley, examples of athletes showing great sportsmanship and kindness. Earlier in the year, I wrote about Sportsmanship in Sports and in Life with some other examples of great sportsmanship. For resources to help develop character, I have lots of links in my post What About Your Kids’ Character?
“Small Things with Great Love” Word-Art Freebie
Do you have some favorite sports inspirations?
Linked with Thought-Provoking Thursday, Kirsty & Friends, and Fitness Friday.
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yes, he sure did make that look easy! I’ve always admired skaters, they have to be so strong in SO many areas!
Thanks for your comment, Sheila! I’m always amazed at what figure skaters can do, too! I was lucky my kids picked a sport that I always loved to watch. 🙂
What a great story! And great quotes, too. How did he go on after the accident. People are so resilient! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks, Betsy! I’m often inspired by people’s resiliency, too. Have a great weekend! 🙂
I figured since I normally stop by your other blog, I’d come by this one this time. Stopping by from Mom Loop! 🙂
I’ve never been much good at skating, but I love to watch it – such an elegant sport!
Thanks for stopping by here, Lisa! I never did a lot of skating myself, but I always loved watching my kids and other skaters practice, compete, and perform in shows. Figure skating definitely is an elegant sport! 🙂
Hi, I found your blog via ‘Never Growing Old’s’ blog hop.
This was a fab post – I have never seen a quad lutz before and didn’t even know it was called that!! Pretty bloody impressive though.
I am now following you 😉
Thanks so much, Annie! The quad lutz is definitely amazing! Thanks so much for following me! I’m on my way to check out your blog now. 🙂
Sports are filled with stories that are great for inspiration from family lost to injuries overcome. I think one of my favorite, that still brings a tear to my eye every time I watch or have even tried to write about, is Kerri Strug’s vault in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Brandon made that jump look real easy. I’d probably fall trying to do a simple one, much less a quad.
Thanks for sharing these inspiring stories!
Thanks, Grady! I clearly remember Kerri Strug’s vault, too! It’s amazing how easy Brandon made that jump look. After watching so many skating practices and competitions, I know just how hard that really is! 🙂
Awesome! Thanks for linking up Deb!
Thanks, Kirsty! I appreciate that you host Kirsty & Friends each week. Have a great weekend! 🙂
This is a great story and so inspiring. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story of success.
Thanks, Elaine! I absolutely love inspirational stories and quotes, so I was excited to find these examples. 🙂
This is a very inspirational post. My favorite inspirational sport story is from many years back when a high school basketball team let their team manager (a senior with autism) play in the last minutes scoring over 20 points! Its on you tube under J Mac – A Hoop Dream. Still brings tears to my eyes. We all have an opportunity to be the best we can be, its up to us to pursue it and achieve it.
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Misty! I looked up the YouTube video about J Mac. That’s amazing! It brought tears to my eyes, too. 🙂