200 Days Until 2012 London Olympics Begin: an Ode to Effort

Braden Keith
by Braden Keith 1

January 09th, 2012 National

Today, Monday, January 9th, marks the next milestone in the buildup to the 2012 London Olympics. That’s because as of today, there is exactly 200 days until the Olympics officially begin on July 27th, 2012, and the swimming community is buzzing with the building excitement.

Most of us won’t be Olympians. For most of us, the 200 days is simply a countdown to an exciting TV event that we’ll watch from thousands of miles away. But the enthusiasm of swimming’s elite gives us a lesson that every one of us can take back to our pools.

I’ve cobbled together a short ode in honor of the occassion. Remember these thoughts as you prepare for whatever your big meet is, from rec-league to the world’s stage.

Today starts the countdown to the final exam
Don’t leave even an inch for regret
There is no such thing as a time machine in life
and no replacement for hard-work and sweat

It matters not your talent or natural gifts
Effort and desire will top them all
Winners jump and they fall
They fight and they brawl
They dig and they dive and they crawl

And there’s words that are uttered, the world around
By those who strive to be great
Remember that there’s never a time like the present
for tomorrow’s always one day too late

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12 years ago

I think it’s a great mantra for any sport. Natural talent will take you far, but it’s the hours spent in the pool/on the field that make the difference in the end. Effort and dedication are what makes champions.

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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