Congratulations to Jesus… he is the winner of our latest Blog competition. Here is his winning entry. He will win a DVD of his choice.
I am the best, I am number one, I always win…
I was very good in Table Tennis even though I only started a few years ago. I fell in love with the sport. I gave my heart out. There was never an instance wherein I was late or absent for our training sessions. I did everything. I researched and studied the concepts. I bought the best equipment. I followed a strict diet and exercise program, aside from the usual training. I went and joined numerous tournaments and clubs. I was the best. Also, I was happy for all the merits that I had received and will achieve until my most recent match that changed everything.
It was the finals of a team event competition. Being the brilliant player that I was, I won all of my matches for the elimination rounds. I was then very surprised when our Coach didn’t let me play for the finals. He said that I must give chance to others. I then argued that we would just loose. My Coach ignored my plea and continued his plan. We lost badly. I left very disappointed.
After several days, I asked my Coach, “Why didn’t you allow me to play?” He said in response, “I admit that you are good and disciplined but you’ve been a solo player ever since you joined, you must learn to train and compete with the team and not just by yourself.” His words really struck me. I recalled all the matches that I’ve won and lost, all the awards that I had received. The Coach was right that I was alone on those moments. I was so obsessed about being the best that I forgot my team. In fact, there was rarely any intimate and happy time that I had shared with my teammates. I was also ashamed that I didn’t even know some of them. At that point, I decided to change. I started to help every single one of them. I taught them how to do the drills, services, footwork and other essential practices properly. I focused on them up to the point that I forgot my own rigorous training routine. I started to lose matches. I was kicked out from the top spot but in return, I was able to earn new friends.
Ironic as it may seem but I was not sad for losing the top rank because from that point on, we competed as a team. Our knowledge, talents and skills should be shared. I thought that I was very skilled because I was able to achieve so much. But I realized that I was the worst of all for my achievements were not for the team. Winning alone is empty.
I can never describe how great the feeling of being the inspiration of my younger team mates is. I will graduate soon and I am now relieved and happy that I was able to leave something for the rest of my team. A few months after, my Coach said, “Sometimes, the only winning move is not to play. You were able to learn the true meaning of sportsmanship and teamwork by letting others play for you.” I said in reply, “Coach, I was able to won the trust and respect of my teammates and build my character, that is worth so much more than any title or trophy.”
Jesus Mario De Los Santos Jr.
