Tuesday, August 4, 2009

What Makes a World Champion? (Part 2)

Our loyal reader, Matthew Wong (blog: You, Me & Tesky) offered as an addendum to my earlier post 'What Makes a World Champion?':

8. Willingness to share their secrets of success.
9. Willingness to coach others to level them up to their standards.
10. Have a Heart of Gold.

What do you think? Having met world champions in triathlon and magic recently, I can fully embrace these observations. The Masters and Geniuses of our time - and we can debate what these Titles mean - tend to take on a Teacher's role after some time. The archetype of a Teacher is an interesting one for it suggests the presence of generosity of spirit, care, professionalism, faith, and optimism. When world champions conduct clinics and master-classes, what are their actual intent (beyond the potential financial gains)? How much of their legacy is considered?What are they exactly communicating in each class? What else matters after champions move on? Do world champions cease to light the way, and fade into obscurity? What is their essence?

Thanks, Matthew for leading the way! Hopefully, good questions lead to many more better questions...

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