From the author of A Different Kind of Champion and Hiding in Plain Sight, comes a special guest blog. I’d like to introduce you to one of my God-aligned friends, Charmas Lee, who is is one of the elite few in the nation with the certification to coach track and field at the Olympic level.
Charmas holds a Bachelor of Organizational Management degree and elite coaching certifications that include: USA Track and Field Level 3 Coach, USATF Level 2 Coach Sprints, Hurdles, Relays and Endurance; National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist; and American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Specialist.
As you can imagine, his eyes have been set on the current Olympic games — now he shares his thoughts right here at kristangray.com…
On Aug. 14, 2016 the extraordinary happened. Wayde van Niekerk, a young South African male athlete set the world record in the 400 meter dash. Not only did he set the record, he did it from lane eight, leading the race from start to finish. While others fell to the ground writhing in pain, he dropped to one knee and put his head in his hands. Just a few moments later he put the multi-colored South African flag around his shoulders as if he was carrying the weight of his country.
Van Niekerk then took off his spikes and pointed to the clock that reflected the new World and Olympic record, indicating that change was on the horizon. Wayde van Niekerk did not run the race to capture a medal, or to solidify his place in history. He ran this race with passion, determination and conviction to capture the attention of the world. He possesses the greatest ambition of all – to affect change and inspire others to rise to their full potential in life. Van Niekerk reminds us all that success does not care about our age, success is not concerned about our ethnicity, success does not care about our socio-economic backgrounds. Success does not care about where we come from; success only cares about one thing – what we are made of.
The 400 meter dash is a great metaphor for life – you have to run your race, as designed, based on your ability. There are no medals handed out at the 350-meter mark of the 400 meter dash. To claim your prize, you must finish the race.
Van Niekerk’s coach is Ans Botha, a 74-year-old white-haired grandmother, who has been a coach for over 50 years. For 50 years she has been waiting for a pupil like van Niekerk.
On Aug. 18, 2016, I celebrated my 55th birthday and have been coaching athletes in the sport of track and field for 28 of those years. My favorite race to coach is the 400 meter dash.
As I run my own personal metaphorical 400 meter dash, van Niekerk reminds me that to be successful in life it will require a 100-percent commitment, and that it is important to run my race with passion, determination and conviction. If I do so, I will inspire others to do the same!
If you’d like to read his inspiring books, or actually book Charmas B. Lee to speak at your next event, you can reach him at charmaslee.com or phone 719.237.6058. He helps make champions. You can see more of that here.
Watch van Niekirk’s testimony here: “I just believe God and let His will be done in my life.” — Wayde van Niekirk
Copyright © 2013 · Kristan Gray. All rights reserved · Contact: kristanshan@gmail.com