hey guys,
i was at the girls' blog earlier and i came across something that minqi wrote and it really struck something within me. she has put some of the most amazing thoughts that i have read about canoeing in a really really long time. i believe that if everyone can look at canoeing from her perspective, everyone will emerge a much stronger person and much more powerful and convicted rower. so yeah, this is many wise words from minqi:
understand that everyone's putting their all into this. and this is what canoeing has taught me. despite being the underdog and despite knowing we're not the hot favourites, we are unafraid and undaunted, and willing to train so hard for the sport, the team and the school we love. we are so enthusiastic about giving our all into something we know may not even give us back tangible rewards. winning isn't the most important part of canoeing. sure, we all strive for the gold, but 10 or 20 years down the road no one is going to remember who got first in 2008, but we will definitely remember the team that has made an impact in our life. the passion is what flows in the blood of every raffles canoeist and that makes us one.
trials and tribulations should not be seen as tragedy, nor should adversity. on the flip side, we should be thankful for them, as it is only in times of adversity that we see those who really care for us. also, it is through them that we build resilience and determination. besides, what doesn't come by easily always is what we cherish for the most. victory is always sweeter when it's hard to get.
through the past one year or so, i've learnt the true meaning of perseverance, determination, resilience and to, as raffles canoeists, never bow down to fate but to, instead, fight on for what i love. i also learnt that our efforts may not translate to results, but dying after a good fight is always better than surrendering without a fight at all. our passion, love and enthusiasm may not dictate our results, but we will still do it, because we want to.
minqi
i think that her last 4 words were extremely impactful -- because we want to -- no one forced us into this, in fact no one can force you into this. not me, not chinks, not coach, not even mr go or your mother. the only person making you come to training, put yourself through all this suffering and enjoying it and coming back for even more the next day week after week is - really you.
so what do you want to do from now to july? think hard guys. because it will only come by once. this is your chance to make history, your chance to leave a legacy. think hard guys. think about your dream, your goal. and i want you to make this promise to yourself, not to anyone else, but to yourself -- that you will work hard every single day and will be willing to go the extra mile, no, the extra 2/3/4 miles to achieve your dream, your goal. promise yourself that you'll put in your whole heart and soul into it. just for this 3 months, everything you've got.
and when the time comes in july, i want everyone of you to be able to tell me that you've have reached your goal, i cannot have spent the last 3 months preparing for this any better, i've done my best, given my all and now i have no regrets. this is a heavy commitment guys, it is not an easy thing to do but to achieve great things, you have to put in an even greater effort. so this is it guys, are we going to fight and triumph as a team or are we going to crumble and fall as individuals?
