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As a high school student, I participated in track and field for four years. After seeing Carl Lewis in the 1984 Olympics I decided I wanted to be a sprinter and long jumper. I found out that although I was not slow, I was not the fastest in the 100 and 200 meter events but did excel at the long jump. One of coaches by the name of Coach Burke was an elderly man who volunteered on our track team. He was a former college track coach and knew his stuff. He was over long jump and hurdles. He suggested that I give the 110 meter high hurdles and the 300 intermediate hurdles a try because he thought I would be good at them. I followed his advice and I found my place. Coach Burke always use to tell us that no matter what happens during your race to never give up and always cross the finish line because you never know what will happen. During a track meet I made it to the finals in the 110 meter high hurdles and three people, including myself, fell over hurdles at the start of the race. The other two guys got up and walked off the track and I heard Coach Burke in my head saying to finish the race. Although I was scraped up and embarrassed I finished the race. About thirty minutes later the results of my race came over the PA system and I got fifth place. Coach Burke looked at me and said, "See, you never know what will happen if you just finish the race."
I will never forget that day or the lesson that I learned for the rest of my life. Often times in life when it seems as if things are not going our way we want to give up and quit. One of the keys to success in life is staying in the race and enduring to the end. One thing that might have to be considered is if you are running the right race. This requires you to find out how to apply all of your gifts and talents in the most effective and efficient way. A long distance runner would not find success in the 100 meter dash. Once you find out what race in life is better suited for you, remember to always finish and never give up.
