This is my son, of whom I’m incredibly proud, after losing a tournament.
He took up TKD as a kid, went to state in wrestling in high school, and just recently decided to give Jiu-Jitsu a try as an adult. This was his first tournament. And with 1200 or so competitors total, he earned silver. And yes, of course, I have a smiling podium photo, but while he may not agree, I like this crooked candid one a lot better.
It’s right after his loss in the final round, as he contemplates what just happened. He’s stewing about it, you can tell. Now he knows something he didn’t know five minutes ago: that the arm bars in the gym are done respectfully, but in tournaments, they need to be done more forcefully. And now he’s wishing he knew that five minutes ago.
But he’ll know it next time – and then inevitably run into the next thing he didn’t know. Repeat and rinse. It’s how we learn and grow… if we do. It’s the whole point.
Always aim for gold in all the things you do, but if the thing you’re doing isn’t “your main thing”, always be ready to be well pleased with silver. Just remember that thinking about it on the sofa is not the bronze.
As for me, I’m not and have never been a “sports dad”. I’m just proud he trained and showed up!
I mean, I’m 6'2" and built like a linebacker, but I’ve got dyspraxia from autism, so suffice it to say my role on the high school football team was "AV guy". And so my kids’ athletic achievements are generally like art or wizardry to me, not something I can vicariously participate in through them. Which has made all the difference, I think… zero pressure, maximum pride.
I forgot I had this old thing. Galaxy S5.
Once owned by my late best friend.
I flashed Android 12 onto it and turned it into my personal play phone.
How time flies....