To be an athlete at the top of the game, how does one become a ‘winner’? What does it take to get there? Some may say it’s an athlete’s natural ability, that they were born to be a winner, and some say its hard work, practice and determination. But what if there is one more piece of the puzzle that could be a part of the winning ingredients?
I never have given much thought about it until I started watching this season’s professional football games with Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos. The game seems to have gained a momentum and following of this 24-year-old starting quarterback. He’s known to be adept at rushing and passing the football, while making down-to-the-wire breath-taking scores for the Broncos.
He draws attention to himself on the sidelines where he is seen kneeling and praying during the games. He points to the heavens after every score, looks upward and smiles.
Could this be the winning ingredient?
In the horse world, especially at the track, it’s not uncommon for Jockeys to be spiritually motivated. Rather than being ridiculed and mocked (as Tim Tebow is), riders are understood and respected.
Jockey Pat Day, who was inducted in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, has ridden winners of all the Triple Crown races and earned $298 million from 8,804 winning rides.
He became a born again Christian in the 1980′s and always wore an embroidered cross on his collar under his jockey silks. Could looking up, waving his whip to the heavens have anything to do with his incredible success as a rider?
The same could be said for jockey Mike Smith – best known as being Zenyatta’s rider for 16 straight wins of a 19-for-20 career. She was the only horse to win 2 Breeders’ Cup races and the richest female racehorse to retire with over $7 million in earnings. But how did that happen? How did Smith get there and how does he continue to stay on top of his game?
Sure, we can go back in saying that Smith has raw talent, experience and horse sense. He is also another athlete who is very spiritual and devoted to his faith. In the jocks’ room his locker is filled with personal reminders as he is in the habit of praying before each race and making the sign of the cross. The same image is caught on camera after Smith wins a race. He takes off his helmet, kisses the back of it, holds it up in the air while looking upward, then crosses himself as he trots off into the Winner’s Circle.
Interesting enough, I’ve never heard anyone say or write anything negative about Day or Smith’s openly devoted faith. And there are many other jockey’s who are openly spiritual. Kentucky Derby winner Calvin Borel comes to mind.
Going back to my original thought – Does faith and spirituality have anything to do with winning? Is there a connection and do the faith devoted athletes know something that many people on this planet overlook or deny?
Champion Quarter Horse Tebowing with his owner
