The Man of Steel

The Man of Steel

The thrills and spills of the Olympics are always entertaining. A stand out was the diabolical reaction James Magnussen gave after his relay with his team. I actually stood open mouth watching him hide behind his bronzed mates. I was furious.

But I can’t help feel completely opposite this morning. James has become a study of resilience. A picture of grace and a man of steel – not of silver.

From the lowest point of ego and I’m sure a feeling of complete and utter disappointment, he faced his critics through the lens and suggested he has learnt more about himself in two days then he had in twenty years.

I’m interested not in the trigger of the learning event, but what it was that made him act. Was it his coach that ripped him a new arsehole for acting petulant to the media?

Was it his team mates who took his share of bullets, asking him to dislodge them from their bloodied egos? Was it the embarrassing references of irony in the CBA ad for CAN, chasing away the ‘T’?

Whatever it was, it was James who had to make the conscious decision to take action and change. And change fast. It was James who had to make the transition with the world watching. I can’t imagine the pressure he has faced.

For me, I cannot imagine a greater study to learn from. To show the kids, that whilst you can’t throw that kind of tantrum, that you can reflect and choose to act with a greater spirit. To err is human, to forgive is divine. I’m sure James has fought both sides in his conscience this past week.

Winning silver this morning is his reward. I’m sure he feels it’s a slight, given his efforts and his dedication. To those that say there are no prizes for second best, I say silver always looks better than gold. In this case, his medal shall be a reminder of the life change he went through in London. What an amazing story he has.

From now on, for me, James will always be a super man.

INFO: You can follow John Meyer on Twitter: @daddydearest_ and on Facebook: DaddyDearest

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