WINNING IS NOT EVERYTHING; IT IS THE ONLY THING 2
Introduction.
Well known sports personalities have found solace in this well-known quote, largely
associated with UCLA Bruins football coach Henry Russell Sanders. The feeling that one gets
after achieving their intended goals is alluring. However, not every day is a silver lining day. It is
for this reason that I truly consent that it is not the most salient thing. Challenges faced especially
by patriotic sports men and women make them realize the truth behind this infamous statement
in black and white. This paper is just a tip of the iceberg in trying to show that he who does not
accept defeat is not a true sports person, (Simmons, 2007, p.56).
Every time a player hits the field, no matter the sport, they have their eyes set on the
hefty prize, which is winning. However, anything can happen in the field, and they may end up
in losing. In the spirit of true sportsmanship behavior, they are supposed to learn from their
mistakes and make amends. For instance, De Mba had been dismissed admission into the English
premier league due to health issues only for him to go on and become one of the most feared
strikers, ( Denning,2007, p.90).
In the late 1950’s, when the phrase was first coined, the UCLA Bruins football team
would have easily been dismissed. As a result of their coach’s incessant spirit of reminding them,
they went on to be touted as one of the best team of their time. It is said that the greatest mistake
would be to repeat a mistake. In sports, it would be invaluable t give up due to failing the first
time to emerge the best. An epitome of resilience is the Kenyan long distance running team.
Most of the successful athletes have a story of how they have always failed but never gave up
and went on to win medals such as Kipchoge Keino, (Simmons, 2007, p.56).
It goes without saying that winning is not the most noteworthy thing. Since every dog
has its own day, once one fails, it would be imperative to give up. If one falls, it is their
