The great Masters swimmer and former UT swimmer, Ande Rasmussen, wrote a poem about never giving up. After competing in the 1996 Olympic Games, Ande took the time to start encouraging me in my professional career. He would invite me to lunch and give me ideas about how I could maximize my time as a professional swimmer. He always came to lunch with a never-give-up attitude. He became one of my first mentors. This relationship exemplified to me the importance of a swim “big brother”. It sparked me to brainstorm ways that I could encourage younger swimmers below me. A few years later, it inspired the birth of the Mutual of Omaha BREAKOUT Swim Clinic tour where our US Olympians mentor the next generation of swimmers. Yet, this wasn’t the only birth that Ande Rasmussen inspired. When my wife and I had a chance to induce our first daughter, a few days early in March, I said, “Great let’s induce her on the fourth!” Today we celebrate our daughters 16th birthday but we all can celebrate another day to get up and not give up. Thanks Ande for helping make today one of our favorite days!
March Fourth!
by Ande Rasmussen
We all love Christmas.
Halloween is scary sweet.
I’m thankful for Thanksgiving,
Boy how we eat.
Then there’s our birthday,
which is really fun.
New Years Eve is festive
but we’re a little tired come January One.Easter is delightful!
Fourth of July fireworks are great!
Then there’s St. Patrick’s, Presidents, Valentines, Veterans, Labor,
Columbus, Flag, Fathers, Mothers, Martin Luther King, …
How do we keep track of all these darn dates?When I look at my one year calendar
March Fourth is my favorite day.
Nothing special happened in history.
It’s just what that day has to say!When you have problems,
March Forth!
When things don’t work out,
March Forth!
When bad things happen,
March Forth!
When you lose,
March Forth!When anything can happen
March Forth says it all.
If something does happen,
Get up, brush off, and March Forth,
Because we’re all bound to fall.”
I love the message of Ande’s poem because we all have off days, even tragic days, and potentially make very poor choices; but what if we decide that March 4th would be our reminder that each day you can start all over.
Whether it was a bad practice, bad meet, bad grade, relationship or life decision, today I encourage you to get up, redo and March forth.
Corresponding Verses:
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” Hebrews 10:24
7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7
About Josh Davis
Family man. Business man. Swimming ambassador. Josh Davis successfully balances speaking engagements, conducting swim clinics and spending time with his growing family. He’s developed into a world-class motivational speaker, broadcaster and swim clinician. Josh reaches thousands of young swimmers as the embodiment of the sport’s values.
2000 Olympics
Silver 400m freestyle relay
Silver 800m freestyle relay
1996 Olympics
Gold 400m freestyle relay
Gold 800m freestyle relay
Gold 400m medley relay
Follow Josh Davis on Twitter here.
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