In 1988 I watched in horror as my childhood hero Carl Lewis was blown away by Ben Johnson in the men’s 100m final at the Seoul Olympic Games.
The ripped and bulging Canadian sprinter launched out of the blocks to blaze to a new world record time of 9.79 seconds. To my relief, three days later, Johnson was stripped of his gold medal and banned for testing positive to steroids. Lewis was then unceremoniously anointed as the Olympic champion, and faith was restored to my little world.
Not many records can endure the vacillation of time. Johnson’s drug assisted time was considered only possible because he used a banned substance. His time has since been broken on several occasions. Usain Bolt is the reigning Olympic champion and world recorder holder, clocking in a 9.58 seconds. May I be so bold as to suggest that one day a man of freakish ability will run it in eight seconds?
Each generation strives to be more than their ancestors. More opulent, more enlightened, more successful. Smarter, faster! To achieve this we must overcome ignorance, abolish inhibiting beliefs, and embrace change. This path is risky, but ultimately, it serves by moving us all forward. To evolve, records need to be broken and new rules set. We live in a world of flux and ceaseless movement. If you’re standing still, in reality, you are moving backwards.
Genuine innovation is challenging to achieve, because initially only you trust it. And without others buying-in to your vision, who will fund it and run with it? Not many, which usually spells the death of a great idea. True innovators live on the edge, blazing away with new ideas and brazen beliefs. To break a long held record or tradition set by others, you’ll need a stomach full of courage, thick skin and unyielding commitment to the cause.
Never be the one to succumb to other people’s ignorance or take unconstructive feedback as a reason to give up your dream. You are unstoppable when your vision sings to your determination and inspires you to work through adversity. Sticking your neck out is never easy, especially if what you believe in runs contrary to the majority.
Ben Johnson broke both the rules and world record in Seoul, however, in an unethical way, and that will always meet with penalty. At some point, much of what you believe in today will evolve or change, so be open to it. What shouldn’t change are your self-belief and desire to be better. Keep on striving. And if you genuinely believe a rule should be broken… smash it!
Inspire,
Trent Leyshan
