I would never have described myself as 'sporty', but I did once have aspirations.
As a schoolboy I played Rugby, Cricket, Fives, and Golf. I also rowed 8's, and was forced to participate in obligatory Cross-Country running.
After school I continued to play Club Rugby until my Stock Exchange bosses insisted that I stop on account of my regular Monday Morning injuries.
Later in life I took up Cycling which I loved (I once cycled from London to Brighton with Kimbo), and I occasionally continued with my Golf.
Sadly my sporting activities have mostly been filled with disappointment. I never won a rowing race, all my running jumping and throwing aspirations came to nothing, and my Golf ball always refused to follow my strict instructions. In other words, before any event I knew I would win; afterwards I accepted that I was hopeless.
I have never understood why I was so hopeless. My opposition always seemed far less capable than myself, yet they always succeeded where I failed.
I have never stood on that top step of the podium. I have never had a shiny medal around my neck. And I have no silver trophies on my mantlepiece.
If there was a prize for Dog Walking, I might be awarded a 'commendation' rosette, just for my persistence, but it would never be gold silver or bronze. If there was a competition for 'Shopping-Suprimo of the Year', I might be mentioned in dispatches. And if there was a prize for 'Day-Dreaming' I might come close to an award.
However, having said all that, in Summer when I participate in my daily Swimming competitions, I ALWAYS WIN. But, as I'm the sole competitor, the outcome is inevitable.
As they say, Cro, it's the taking part, the "journey" - not whether you come first, second or third.That can never be the goal. Or only for the vain.
ReplyDeleteAt school, when we had one hundred meter races, we were paired. Meaning we could choose our running partner. I always chose Susanne. Susanne was impossibly tall, her long legs reaching the sky. Not in a million years could I or anyone have outrun her. However, think sly fox, I knew that her always being just that little bit ahead of me, hanging onto her heels would pull me through so fast I beat my best running time every time. Don't say I am not clever. Oh did my PE teacher laugh. She had me sussed.
There is a lesson in there.
U
We were always taught 'It matters not to win or lose, but how one plays the game'. Well, that's all well and good, but it would be nice to win occasionally.
DeleteOooh, you are being hard on yourself, but brave of you to reveal all.
ReplyDeleteDidn't someone once say that 'Failure is success in Progress.'
I myself ran in the School mile race every year but always came maybe third or fourth having been at the front for most of the race. What did those winners have that I didn't? Fitness I suspect.
Cro, do you recognize that vintage English crockery set I just posted up. It seemed to be in every home during the 1960's and 1970's.
Ah, the infamous 'Celadon' Tea Service. They still appear in many BBC plays of the era, and my wife and I always comment on them. "There they are again", etc.
Delete