You might wonder what does an old story like this have anything to do with sport. On the contrary this story has some important lessons to learn from. In sport there is always an underdog or some one less likely to succeed and someone who is most likely to win. I am going to explain what makes an underdog win and why on many occasions the most likely winner losses. We must first look into the story of David and Goliath to understand. There are many versions of this story but there is no dispute as to who won the fight.
My favourite version of the story is written by Malcom Gladwell, below are some extracts to explain the story:
“He was a giant, six foot nine at least, wearing a bronze helmet and full body armor. He carried a javelin, a spear, and a sword. An attendant preceded him, carrying a large shield. The giant faced the Israelites and shouted out: “Choose you a man and let him come down to me! If he prevail in battle against me and strike me down, we shall be slaves to you. But if I prevail and strike him down, you will be slaves to us and serve us.”
“In the Israelite camp, no one moved. Who could win against such a terrifying opponent? Then, a shepherd boy who had come down from Bethlehem to bring food to his brothers stepped forward and volunteered. Saul objected: “You cannot go against this Philistine to do battle with him, for you are a lad and he is a man of war from his youth.” But the shepherd was adamant. He had faced more ferocious opponents than this, he argued. “When the lion or the bear would come and carry off a sheep from the herd,” he told Saul, “I would go after him and strike him down and rescue it from his clutches.” Saul had no other options. He relented, and the shepherd boy ran down the hill toward the giant standing in the valley. “Come” to me, that I may give your flesh to the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field,” the giant cried out when he saw his opponent approach. Thus began one of history’s most famous battles. The giant’s name was Goliath. The shepherd boy’s name was David.
Then David appears. Saul tries to give him his own sword and armor so at least he’ll have a fighting chance. David refuses. “I cannot walk in these,” he says, “for I am unused to it.” Instead he reaches down and picks up five smooth stones, and puts them in his shoulder bag. Then he descends into the valley, carrying his shepherd’s staff. Goliath looks at the boy coming toward him and is insulted. He was expecting to do battle with a seasoned warrior. Instead he sees a shepherd—a boy from one of the lowliest of all professions—who seems to want to use his shepherd’s staff as a cudgel against Goliath’s sword. “Am I a dog,” Goliath says, gesturing at the staff, “that you should come to me with sticks?” What happens next is a matter of legend. David puts one of his stones into the leather pouch of a sling, and he fires at Goliath’s exposed forehead. Goliath falls, stunned. David runs toward him, seizes the giant’s sword, and cuts off his head. “The Philistines saw that their warrior was dead,” the biblical account reads, “and they fled.”
What can we learn from this story as triathletes? I believe that Goliath had too much pride in his ability. Goliath believed he can beat anyone in single combat. Just like many of us believe that we can do better than our fellow athletes. Goliath’s believe was muddled with pride. Pride is believing you have an innate ability that makes you better than others. On the other hand David had ability and confidence that came from true practice. He was an excellent sling shot. He practiced his craft. No one would dare to face Goliath! He did! When you practice your swim, bike and run you are building true confidence, you are perfecting your craft. Stay humble and don’t let your pride come in the way. You might have been a great runner in the past but that does not automatically make you always a great runner.
Another important lesson to learn from this battle... No matter who you are, maybe you are overweight or have a disability, you will have a chance to overcome your fear. Actually, athletes who are unlikely to do well, generally surprise us the most, because everyone thinks they are unable to finish races or to even compete and have more of a reason to prove every one wrong. Just like the shepherd who came from nothing was able to beat the almighty Goliath. Don’t underestimate your capabilities.
Final lesson, be courageous with any sport you might be involved in. Have your heart in it, be committed. Even if your slow, even if you are not the best swimmer or the strongest cyclist. Have the courage to accept who you are and work on your weaknesses. David stood up to Goliath only because he had the courage and commitment in his ability as a sling shot. After all he was only a shepherd. Courage came to him through difficult times. You will no doubt face difficulties. You will loose, you might even quit a race but that's when you need to look for your courage to carry you through.
References:
"David and Goliath" by Malcom Gladwell
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