Someone to aspire to be

I'm going to tell you about a friend of mine.  I'm not sure if he would really want me to say his name, so we shall call him Odysseus.  

I choose this name because in my in depth Wikipedia research, I found that Odysseus was known to be "tough, crafty and cheerful", a trusted counselor and known for his intellect.  He is most known for his long journey home after the Trojan War as you well may know from Homer's The Odyssey.  Now, I'm no expert in Greek mythology.  I have no idea if Odysseus was a humble man.  But I know my Odysseus is.

I have known Odysseus for a few years now.  I have traveled with him and his beautiful and amazing wife to a few races, some I've participated in, some I have spectated.  And I wish he knew just how special he is and what an inspiration he has come to be.  His prowess on the battlefield that is long distance triathlon is truly something to see.  And let me tell you my friends, you'd have to see it because he would never brag about it.  He is a person that never talks about himself and only wants to help and lift up everyone around him.  I don't think he knows how rare that is.

He has been training, racing with just one goal, one destination in mind and I was lucky enough to witness his race in Ironman Lake Placid.  His determination, dedication, mental game and of course, his unbelievable athletic ability earned him his spot in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii that took place just this past weekend.  

We would have given anything to be there to root him on but since we couldn't, a group of us got together to cheer from afar.  Some of us may have had a little too much Hawaiian punch and dressed up in a hula skirt and coconut bra (not one of my finer moments), but it was all in effort to put out our cheers into the atmosphere hoping it would reach our dear friend that was across the ocean.

To my friend, Odysseus.  You fought and you won. All with the talent, grace and humility born of a true champion. Congratulations on your journey home.

To anyone that is reading.  Let us take a cue from Odysseus.  Let us strive to be our best all the while lifting up those around us.  

Now go forth on your journey, whatever that may be and wherever it may take you, with determination, grace and humility.



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