Thought For The Day – Tuesday 8^th October 2024

The Paris Olympics and Paralympics were truly inspirational. 

 

Brilliant people and events in beautiful settings.

 

The Olympic motto is: “Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter”. The English translation of this Latin is:  “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”.

 

Last week, TBSHS was honoured to host Sam Reardon, a double bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics.

                                                  

Sam spoke with Year 10, 12 and 13 as part of their Citizenship programme.

 

Sam had such a positive impact on his visit to TBSHS.  Sam’s grace and humility, and the way he treated everyone at the school with great respect,  and delivered his meticulously planned presentation in such an understated manner, was further proof of Sam’s champion mentality.   

 

Sam was a very appropriate first guest speaker in our new school hall.  We were also proud to host former student Andrew Lewin M.P. three weeks ago.  Thank you also to Mrs. Jonas for all the careers speakers Mrs. Jonas organizes.

 

Sam’s inspirational story is one of persistence and resilience.

 

In the summer, Sam, 20 years old, watched the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics from his sofa.   The day after he was training at his local track. 

 

Back to work. Focus on the future. Keep believing.  What helps define a person, what cements their integrity,  is the quiet work in the background, and the challenges they face, which very few people see.  That personal consistency and integrity that they are the best version of themselves and encourage others to be the best version of themselves.   The path to greatness is built in seemingly unremarkable settings and times.

 

For, after suffering a hamstring injury, Sam did not run in the 400 m. final at the British Olympic trials.    But, weeks after the Olympic trials, Sam beat his personal best by 1.29 seconds.   However, this was too late for selection eligibility.

 

Sam had different injury challenges throughout the 2024 season. In 2023, Sam had won his first British indoor title over 400 m. But, owing to injury, Sam had not been able to defend this indoor title, or compete at the European Championships either.  It was such a very challenging start to the year, a year that began with such high hopes and targets saw many challenges.  Goal after goal was crossed off not ticked off.  There were ups and downs, twists and turns, highs and lows. These disrupted Sam’s targets, set at the start of the year,  and required constant adaptation, flexibility, reassessment and readjustment.  Injury followed injury. Form suffered.   

 

At one stage, Sam could have called time on his season. Sam even said he felt “dejected and worthless”, and even questioned his love for the sport.

 

But there was a way back.  But Sam never gave up, demonstrating great persistence, values and vision.  A training block, with his team,  developed fitness and form. Progress was seen.  The corner was turned.  

 

So, Sam was ready when the last-minute call to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the Paris Olympics  came.  Next person up.  Olympian mode activated.  

 

Symbolically, the journey to Paris had further challenges when the “Eurostar”  was cancelled and Sam had to fly.  But Sam was always going to find a way to these Olympics.  When Sam finally did arrive, his team warmly welcomed him.

 

Sam would go on to win two bronze medals in the men’s and mixed 400 m. relays.  In front of 70,000 spectators, and roared on by his dad and brothers,  who he could see, and who settled any nerves,  Sam ran a great first leg in the final of the mixed relay, setting the tone, as well as competing in the heats for the men’s relay.

 

Sam ran in memory of his mum.   

 

Sam’s mum, Marilyn, died from a brain tumour when Sam was just 15 years old.  Taking her son to the epic London 2012 Olympics, Marilyn always had a belief that her son would one day become an Olympian. Legacy.

 

Sam carries a picture of him mum in his wallet.

 

Sam believes his mum was, and is, with him every step of the way.

 

By the time of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Sam will be 24 years old and he aims to win gold for his mum, his family and Team GB and Northern Ireland.  

 

Let’s go Sam.  L.A. 2028.

 

We are very grateful to equally brilliant and fantastic Olympian Tom Bosworth for arranging this unforgettable presentation.  

 

We respectfully dedicate this Citizenship session to our inspirational and outstanding former student Max Oliver and Max’s wonderful family.