23/02/2024
Parkrun made a decision to remove all its records off its website to “avoid putting off new entrants”, there is talk going around about scrapping awards at local sporting clubs and not awarding things like Best and Fairest! Has the world gone mad?
Firstly, people to realise that it is okay to enter these things and not be the best! It’s okay to play sport for fun, it is okay if someone is better than you…..this is life! You don’t have to win something to enjoy it, get out there and do the best YOU can.
Secondly, we need to celebrate those who do win, who are better than you. It’s called respect and showing humility. These people have trained hard for what they have achieved, they are the ones squeezing in runs at 4am or hitting the track in 38C temp to get sessions done, they are the ones putting in hours and hours of training in all sorts of weather. They are the ones who sacrifice a night out with mates for sleep and recovery. They have worked extremely hard to get where they are, that should be recognised and rewarded.
Thirdly, if you can’t celebrate athletes achievements in all sports then you need to scrap things like ATAR scores, music awards, art awards, dux of the school etc etc sometimes the sporting field is the only place these kids excel. They spend the rest of their schooling life feeling mediocre about themselves because they are struggling to achieve a pass, yet brain waves over there is still on the straight A path. Every test or exam they do, they feel disappointed and “stupid”, but on the footy field, soccer pitch, aths track etc they feel celebrated and proud. Let them have that, because for some kids it’s the only thing making them feel good.
We need to celebrate what humans can achieve and realise that people are better than us at things, and that’s okay!!!!
(Photo to remind myself I use to be fast…and I want to celebrate that! Lol!!)
