The shootings in America (Atlanta) come as another horror shock. The deceased families lives are ruined forever. Our sympathies go out to all our Asian brothers and sisters (and the two non-Asian victims’ families also). I hope this story shows support and a tiny drop of hope during this dark hour.
Yesterday I felt the pain – as I work in Sri Lanka (who suffered their own horror murders a few years ago when 290 people were murdered on Easter Sunday 2019). As an Irish man, we’ve suffered our own horrors too. The Irish Famine (1846-1851) – as have the Indians and their Famines (including 1837–38) were exacerbated by imperialist oppression. Surprisingly another oppressed group, The Choctaw Indians in North America, were forced out of their homes by the white man and force-marched thousands of miles (known as the ‘Trail of Tears’) from Mississippi to Oklahoma in the 1830s. Years later, the Choctaw Indians heard of the people of Ireland’s suffering, and in 1847, they somehow collected and sent $170 to the starving Irish people. Such kindness will never be forgotten. Today, in Ireland, there is a beautiful sculpture that forever thanks our Choctaw brothers and sisters.
Recently, the Irish Prime Minister (and some Irish musicians) visited the Choctaw tribe and gave fully-funded university scholarships to young Choctaw folk. Everyone enjoyed an evening of both culture’s music – a celebration of friendship that lasts forever.
By way of supporting our American born Asian brothers and sisters, during this terrible dark time, I would like to share a short story, about an Asian hero, in fact, the very last story and the very last photograph, in a book, I wrote about sportsmanship (see below). This is about a truly extraordinary young man from China who inspires young people from all races around the world. I show this photograph to children in schools around the world, during story-telling (via webinar or face-to-face) and ask children ‘did this guy win or lose his Olympic Finals swimming race?’ Look at him carefully and decide. Is he a winner or a loser?
The kids all say that he won. He did in so many ways. He was expected to win, having won a gold, a silver and a bronze medal in Sydney 2000 Paralympics and then he won four gold medals in Athens 2004.
Now he was in his home town, Beijing 2008 and a huge favourite to win gold. All his family and friends were there too. He has no arms. And he has to hit his head against the tiles to finish a race. His natural instinct is to slow down, as he finishes, to reduce the pain of smacking his head against the tiles, which actually cost him a gold medal. The Brazilian, Daniel Dias, touched the wall with an outstretched hand, just ahead of He Junquan’s head touching the tiles. Despite being beaten he revels in competing at the highest level and giving his very best. If you give your best, you are a winner every time. There is no shame in losing. Look at the sheer excitement and joy of competition in He Junquan’s face.
The last words in my 2008 book read as follows: ‘Despite being beaten, the quintessential sportsman, He Junquan’s smile says it all.’ Smith, PR (2008) Great Moments of Sportsmanship 1908-2008.
A young Asian lad who deals with adversity every day, revels in challenges and beams a smile that inspires anyone that sees it – anywhere across the world.
Let’s empathise with our global brothers and sisters rather than polarise.
If you liked this story you might enjoy some other Asian sportsmanship stories – where the kindness of Asians both helps and inspires others.
Afghanistan sportsmanship stories
Pakistani sportsmanship Stories
Philippines sportsmanship stories
Sri Lankan sportsmanship stories
Please share these stories of friendship, joy, respect, tolerance, kindness and love.
Send us your sportsmanship stories too.
Become an ambassador – just share, like, comment and/or spread the word.
Thanks to Stephen V Richardson in clubhouse for advice about the title of this post @stephenvr
FREE MENTAL HEALTH HELP
In light of the recent hate crimes against members of the Asian American community in Georgia, after decades of marginalization, racism, and hate toward Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Real To The People are offering free mental health services to the public.
Love that story. What a great guy and a real champion.Thanks for sharing that and also the history in the preamble.
Thanks Brian – I really want to visit Middleton, Co Cork to see this extraordinary sculpture.
Great post Paul.
Thanks Colm – too much hate out there. Let’s fan the fire of peace.
Wonderful story and what a significant impediment to his potential success not having an arm to slow him down to finish the race. Incredible humility shown and clearly a winner in so many senses. #ChooseLove
Yes John the lad is amazing. His smile is vibrant. Kids get it when they see it. Although they are initially surprised to hear he lost the race – they quickly get it.