Got Olympic "Fatigue" - Inspirational Olympic Story

[SimonN]

For many, it's about the time that Olympic fatigue begins to set in. As a Pom, I still get a bit of pleasure from all the medals being won and I genuinely feel for my Oz mates at the lack luster performance in all sports except my main interest, sailing.

However, there is one truly inspirational story that I am sure will barely make the news here because it involves an Argentinian sailor, who has just won a gold medal (with an Aussie getting silver). Normally, I cheer for the Poms first, Aussies second (unless I know them as in the case of the silver medalist) but in this case, i was cheering long and hard for Santiago Lange. Here is why.

Santi is the the oldest sailing competitor this time around (54 years young) and as if that isn't something in itself, his sons are also competing together in a different class of boat. Rio is his 6th games dating from 1988 and already has 2 bronze medals (2004 and 2008) but didn't sail in the 2012 games. Many thought he was mad coming back at his age. So, all fairly remarkable, but why am I so excited and inspired by him?

A year ago, Santi was diagnosed with lung cancer and had one of his lungs removed. Within 4 weeks, he was on a bike getting fit again and started sailing soon after. In reality, there is no way he should have been able to even make it to the games, let alone win. On top of that, Santi is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet and i was luck to know him some years ago. I first came across him in about 1998 by which time he was already a bit of a legend, going for his 4th Olympics.

So if anybody tries telling you that you are too old, or your health isn't up to going for your dreams, just remember Santi. Unbelievable!

[tazzieman]

 

So if anybody tries telling you that you are too old, or your health isn't up to going for your dreams, just remember Santi. Unbelievable!

Friend of mine walked 800km of the Camino in France/Spain with terminal cancer. Some people are more determined than others, and these efforts should be inspiring. If to no-one else except one's descendants.

[P-Kay]

I really enjoy a good Cancer survival story. It touches so many of us in varying degrees. Thanks for sharing Simon !!!

[Macca]

 

So if anybody tries telling you that you are too old, or your health isn't up to going for your dreams, just remember Santi. Unbelievable!

Moving, 

Thank you for sharing,

[Stew F]

Some people are inspirational. Human's desire to conquer things is amazing and brings out an inner strengths that other people only wish they have. Til it becomes their turn.

Not a cancer survival story, but my wife was still skateboarding even after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Given 20 months, she only gave skating away 4 months before she finally succumbed to it.