By Kyven Gadson
“The difference between winning and losing is most often, not quitting!” – Walt Disney
On June 10, 2017 I fell short of my making my first Senior Level World Team. I won’t be going to Paris in August to represent the United States of America. What’s that feeling like? Well, one thing for sure is that there is a difference between victory and defeat.
There is a clear distinction between winning and losing: for as far as they are apart they are just as close together. You see, I’ve been here before in my career. I’ve felt what it is like to win and accomplish my goals. I’ve also felt what it is like to lose and not accomplish my goals.
The difference between winning and losing could be a list of things. It could also be just one thing. It ultimately comes down to the competitor. What type of price are you willing to pay? There is a cost to be successful. Success is a beautiful thing, but acquiring it can also leave you with some scars.
It’s been my experience that success is fun but it also hurts! It’s tough to put your mind, body, and soul into a dream, and then to have that dream not manifest itself is heartbreaking. For all 8 men that made the Senior Freestyle World Team there were several more that didn’t. Several more came up short, who are feeling the difference between winning and losing!
To feel the difference between winning and losing again I will have to get a S.C.A.R. I’ll have to Sacrifice, Commit, Adapt, and Respond! I will have to let this wound from 6.10.17 heal and get better! Work harder and work smarter.
Wrestling is a special sport and life is a special gift. So whether you are reading this as a wrestler, parent, sibling, or an avid fan understand that there is a difference between winning and losing. That difference is YOU!
My favorite athlete is Muhammad Ali who said, “Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.”
Defeat and Victory…I am acquainted with both. To accomplish my goal of becoming the best in the I can never ever forget what Walt Disney said about the difference between winning and losing…and I WON’T!
Faith, Family, and Freestyle!
God is Great!
#BeRARE,
Kyven Gadson
You can follow Kyven Gadson on Twitter @GadsonStrong and on his blog HERE.