Sort of an underdog story: I have Bethlem myopathy, a mild neuromuscular disease that didn't have a name until I was in my 70's. My father, his sister, and my father's mother all had it--doesn't kill anyone and is genetically dominant. Recently I found my long-deceased father's high school yearbook and discovered he was captain of his high school basketball team. Whether that was an elective position, or the coach made him captain because that's the only useful thing he could do for the team, I'll never know. He wasn't tall enough for a basketball player (roughly average height), could not have run fast enough or tossed a ball strongly enough, to help the team that way, but he did have excellent organizational and people skills, as proven by his career in basic biological research and the respect shown by his colleagues and students. He may not have "made" the team, but he certainly helped make it!
I can relate to all those common traits in my own journey of overcoming chronic ill health to the extent I have. I’ve read a little into Olympic athletes and top sports professionals (like Roger bannister who broke the 4 minute mile record) and I identify so much with their approach and commitment, one that always stands out is they don’t ask “is this proven” it’s more a question of “will this work?”
I can relate to all those common traits in my own journey of overcoming chronic ill health to the extent I have. I’ve read a little into Olympic athletes and top sports professionals (like Roger bannister who broke the 4 minute mile record) and I identify so much with their approach and commitment, one that always stands out is they don’t ask “is this proven” it’s more a question of “will this work?”
Sort of an underdog story: I have Bethlem myopathy, a mild neuromuscular disease that didn't have a name until I was in my 70's. My father, his sister, and my father's mother all had it--doesn't kill anyone and is genetically dominant. Recently I found my long-deceased father's high school yearbook and discovered he was captain of his high school basketball team. Whether that was an elective position, or the coach made him captain because that's the only useful thing he could do for the team, I'll never know. He wasn't tall enough for a basketball player (roughly average height), could not have run fast enough or tossed a ball strongly enough, to help the team that way, but he did have excellent organizational and people skills, as proven by his career in basic biological research and the respect shown by his colleagues and students. He may not have "made" the team, but he certainly helped make it!
Hi Debby,
Thank you so much for sharing this story! I bet there were many ways he was able to make a positive impact.
I can relate to all those common traits in my own journey of overcoming chronic ill health to the extent I have. I’ve read a little into Olympic athletes and top sports professionals (like Roger bannister who broke the 4 minute mile record) and I identify so much with their approach and commitment, one that always stands out is they don’t ask “is this proven” it’s more a question of “will this work?”
I love that approach!
It’s a great one to work with. Athletes don’t listen to naysayers. Like this article says, they set their sights on a vision and go right after it🙂
I can relate to all those common traits in my own journey of overcoming chronic ill health to the extent I have. I’ve read a little into Olympic athletes and top sports professionals (like Roger bannister who broke the 4 minute mile record) and I identify so much with their approach and commitment, one that always stands out is they don’t ask “is this proven” it’s more a question of “will this work?”