Abstract
I like to think that is something innate to all of us, that we are hard-wired for excellence. We recognize it, are drawn to it, and seek to achieve excellence.”
I am not sure about anyone else, but this has been a fantastic summer. Being a fan of professional cycling, I was able to start off the early summer feasting on the Tour de France. It is the only time that I will ever request a specific channel on the TV. The dedication and effort of those athletes over 3 weeks is mind-blowing. My passion for cycling is always renewed whenever I watch those races.
Then to only sweeten the deal it is an Olympic year. I am sure many of you, like me, were glued to the Olympic channel each night on the edge of your seat yelling at the TV for your favorite competitors to strive for their best against the rest of the world. But is it not funny that we find ourselves cheering wildly for athletes we may never have heard of, competing in sports we hardly ever hear about.
I think that is what I have always loved so much about the Olympics, it is the recognition of the effort and dedication of these athletes that we are really cheering. Really, how often do you think about the long jump, likely not very often, but I sat with my heart in my throat as the gold medalist cleared his final jump to win with a jump of 8.38 m, 27′4″. Can you imagine, a human jumped the width of a singles tennis court!
But is that not what we love to see, individuals striving to obtain excellence in their discipline and achieving their goals. I like to think that is something innate to all of us, that we are hard-wired for excellence. We recognize it, are drawn to it, and seek to achieve excellence. Outside of all the wonderful sports moments this summer, I was reminded of the same focus on excellence and yearning to push further at our summer meeting this year. As usual our Canadian friends and colleagues surpassed themselves with their hospitality and warmth.
The meeting itself was fantastic. It is always wonderful to reconnect with friends from around the world that share a passion for foot and ankle. And not only was the camaraderie wonderful, but I came away renewed and reinvigorated in my own practice. And so I found that I had a lot of the same emotions at the summer meeting as I do watching the Olympics. The excitement of seeing a colleague on the podium, presenting something they are passionate about and overcoming so many hurdles to get to that one moment.
Granted there was no national anthem, no medal ceremony, but I feel that likely does not matter. I am sure those folks presenting were filled with as many emotions as any other competitor. My sincerest hope is that all of you had a wonderful summer and have renewed your passion and will continue in your pursuit of excellence in our chosen field to continue to help us all grow and give back to our patients.
To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. (Steve Prefontaine)