Dreams Come Alive

Earlier this week I had the privilege and honour of running a 2.5 day empowering workshop for close to 20 young Singaporean athletes who are in the squad or in the running to represent the nation in the upcoming Youth Olympic Games.

This was a workshop with a difference. Different because this was a group of special individuals. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, schools and sporting history, they were united by a common aspiration, a dream to do their utmost best and do their country and themselves proud. And it told.

From the word go, their maturity, discipline and camaraderie stood out. Perhaps juggling school life with a punishing training regime over the last several months has imbued in them an appreciation for precious time with one another. Or maybe their exposure to regional and international competition arenas has raised their confidence levels. Quite possibly the rigour of pursuing sporting excellence and making sacrifices has inculcated a respect for achievement.

Their willingness to participate, to explore, to go deep and above all, to be real was greatly moving and at the end of the workshop I felt that it was I who had learnt the most.

Champs, if you are reading this, I thank you for revealing who you really are, for teaching me the value of humility and authenticity. And for showing me what it means to make your dreams come alive. In my eyes you are champions and I dedicate this weekend’s ultra marathon to you all.