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Most of us spent time during the Summer of 2016 watching athletes gather
for the Olympic games in Rio. More than 10,000 athletes from 207 countries
participated.
For the majority of those athletes, the Olympics represented the culmination
of years of preparation for their events. Their dedication was made evident
as reports were given of the many hours spent in the pursuit of their dreams.
From early morning practices to rehabilitation of injuries, many athletes have
preserved against great odds to be part of the history-making event.
HOSA competitive events are similar to the pursuit of excellence seen among
Olympic athletes. Students are working hard practicing skills, browsing
the internet for current health topics, developing prototypes for a medical
innovation or scouring resources for information to prepare for a written
test. Students are pursuing these endeavors in hopes of obtaining a
coveted spot on stage in Orlando, Florida at the 2017 International
Leadership Conference.
Derek Redmond is not a name that most of you will recognize.
During the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, the British athlete was
participating in the semi-finals of the 400 meter race when his
hamstring tore. In obvious pain, his father came onto the track
and helped him back into his lane. With tears running down
the athlete’s face, he leaned on his father to finish. When
the father was asked to carry the Olympic torch for the
2012 London Olympic games, he stated “It was all about
winning, winning, winning. We changed it by showing
we were taking part. We brought a different aspect to
it without even planning it.”
The Race
“It was all about
winning, winning,
winning. We
changed it by
showing we
were taking part.
We brought a
different aspect
to it without even
planning it.”
The hope is that all HOSA competitors will catch that spirit. Recognition is not the only
possible benefit of competition, the benefit comes from the journey as you prepare for
your future as a health professional.