Athletes Inspiring A Nation and Our Community

Many of us will have taken great delight in watching athletes giving their all after years of training as they have tested themselves against athletes from across the Commonwealth. It has been inspirational to watch our Australian athletes perform so well. For us as a community, it has been particularly inspiring to see past student Kaylee McKeown win gold in the pool and be a gracious winner on the world stage. We have heard her reflect on the important role her older sister Taylor McKeown and her family have played. We saw her pause in her personal celebrations in the pool to clap home a last-placed swimmer from another country. We have seen cyclist Matt Glaetzer overcome injuries from a crash in the velodrome and rise up after the disappointment of losing a bronze medal to win gold. In his post-event interview, he encouraged everyone to “overcome the challenges we all face…and always try again”.

For all of these athletes, there are back stories of having overcome challenges as they have worked hard to make the most of their talents. They inspire us to have the courage and resilience to make the most of our gifts and talents and to always try again when life’s hurdles arise. It is always worth giving our best, whether we are going to change the world or make the life of one person better. God has given each of us gifts that can make a difference for others.  Each of us can be champions in our own way by making the most of what we have.