Rowing is for Losers.
When we first began to row and race, we all lost. We took these losses and reflected upon them. We decided to work harder, and knew we would have to.
From this we learned commitment, and dedication.
Losing the next race showed us that in order to win, we would have to give up some individual recognition for the benefit of the whole. There could be no stars in this sport.
We learned cooperation and absolute teamwork.
We lost another frustrating race. This time we came close, but either we faltered, or, one of our crewmates did. They felt bad, yet we supported them.
A lesson in humility and tolerance.
We lost again, and admired our victors because when they won, they thanked us, and somehow, we knew they meant it.
We learned from their grace and consideration.
Then, after more commitment, dedication, cooperation, teamwork, humility, and tolerance, we finally won.
Unconsciously, our first act as winners was to thank our competitors, and in their eyes you could see they knew we meant it. It was then we realized how much rowing had given us.
As adults, we use these experiences and lessons learned to guide us, for they developed our character and personalities. We sometimes forget our successes in life came from finding small victories in those losses. We will always look back, smile, and feel lucky for we remember the victories… and the losses.