Greatness comes from talent and hard work

After watching the amazing performance of Michael Phelps in the Olympics and after personally observing the professional golfers at the PGA two words best describe them – hard work.
The great Italian painter/sculptor, Michelangelo stated, “If people knew how hard I have had to work to gain my mastery, it wouldn’t seem wonderful at all.”
Can you imagine using up 4,000 calories in a single workout as Phelps does during his training regimen? That type of workout would be both mentally and physically tough, and he does it daily.
During the PGA championship pro golfers would putt and hit balls on the range for two hours after completing their rounds for the day.
U.S. general Douglas McArthur stated, “Preparedness is the key to success and victory.”
I don’t believe the average fan understands the commitment and dedication that is present in order to compete at the highest levels of a sport.
I have witnessed some strange questions of athletes about their work habits by the media. They too fail to understand how difficult it is to prepare to compete in a high-level sport.
A world-class athlete must be willing to sacrifice any semblance of a normal life in order to achieve greatness. Michael Phelps was not lucky in winning all the gold medals in Beijing; he was prepared in every way to win them.
When individuals and teams make hard work the basis of all their dreams, then the possibility of success exists. A total commitment to a work ethic gives you the possibility to push your mind and body past unrealized limits.
Art Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers said, “To become a top athlete, you must be willing to sacrifice and you must be determined to give long hours to practice. Practice helps to make perfection. The very best athletes among the Pittsburgh Steelers work the year round. If you want to be the best – number one – you have to work every bit as hard during the offseason as you do during the season.”
• The Olympic men’s basketball team took on coach Mike Krzyzewski’s personality and his emphasis on defense, which simply put is nothing more than hard work.
• The Blue Springs American Legion team, the Rod’s Sports A’s, has really put together an outstanding record over the years. I have heard from many that the reason is that they have so many talented athletes to choose from. I say bull to those comments. The coaching staff and kids have dedicated themselves to the tradition of the team through the years.
• The ESPN televised football game between Rockhurst and Blue Springs South is a clear indicator that football in the Kansas City area is the best in the state.
• I’m glad the Royals signed both of their draft choices Eric Hosmer and Missouri native Tim Melville.
• I was unable to pass up the following quote of the week by Vince Lombardi: “The dictionary is the only place success came before work. Hard work is the price we must all pay for success. I think we accomplish almost anything if we are willing to pay the price. The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.”