My true motivation for competing in Ironman!
The topic I’m about to delve into holds immense personal significance for me. This Father’s Day, I felt compelled to reflect on how a pivotal event in my life has profoundly shaped my journey.
In my youth, during my twenties and thirties, I was filled with an unrelenting motivation. Growing up in a single-parent household, my father left when I was just 13 years old. It was a tumultuous period, and one of the last things he ever said to me left an indelible mark: “you’ll amount to nothing without me.”
Those words were like a spark igniting a fire within me. Rather than succumbing to despair or letting self-doubt consume me, I harnessed that negativity and channeled it into a relentless drive to prove myself not only to the world but, more importantly, to myself.
My chosen arena for this personal redemption became the world of athletics. I threw myself wholeheartedly into rigorous training, often pushing myself to the limits of physical and mental endurance. It wasn’t just about winning races or conquering extraordinary feats like marathons and Ironman competitions; it was about achieving amazing things.
As Father’s Day arrived, it felt like the perfect occasion to pause and acknowledge the incredible journey I’ve undertaken. My son Jesse and my partner Sophia, have played an instrumental role in this transformative process. Their arrival in my life saw a shift in my motivations.
The once-ferocious drive to prove myself to others has given way to a deep well of gratitude and love for the family I’ve created. My family have changed my perspective and taught me that success is not solely measured by personal accomplishments but also by the love and support we give and receive.
Looking back at my life and tracing the evolution of my motivations has been an enlightening experience. It’s a powerful tool for understanding how I’ve grown as an individual and as a father. It reinforces the idea that our journeys are not linear but filled with twists, turns, and moments of profound transformation.
This Father’s Day, I’d love a special mention to my mother, who raised us to be strong and resilient individuals, thank you for everything.
I celebrate not only the milestones I’ve achieved but also the love, growth, and unwavering support of my family, Jesse and Sophia. They are a testament to how far I’ve come and a reminder of the incredible journey that still lies ahead.
