The Cloud of Witnesses

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/3a67ab_a609c9a25ada4dcb8eb982d2881a9b13/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

One of my favorite events to watch at the Commonwealth Games was the high jump final. Even though it's not the most action-packed event, I loved watching it because because of how involved the crowd was. To clear the bar, it crucial that high jumpers take the right stride length, number of strides, power off the correct foot, arch their backs, and choreograph maneuvers across bars set at heights over six feet (the gold medal height was 1.95m). I overthink everything, but I couldn’t imagine the thoughts that might go through some of the athlete's minds on elimination jumps. Even still, I honestly think it would be hard to think a great deal with the noise of the crowd.

Seconds before the jumpers would bound from their starting positions, a slow clap would erupt from somewhere in the crowd and spread across Alexander Stadium like thunder. With everyone’s hands in sync, you became apart of something bigger than yourself—almost like a dense fog that engulfed the athletes with deafening encouragement. It didn't matter the country or name on the jersey (although England did cheer a little bit louder for their own), the clap would continue tongain steam and then culminate into outbursts of cheers when you made the jump and an "awww" (just like in Wii Sports!) if you failed the attempt. For the jumpers, it seemed like riding that wave was electric! Click on the video above and you'll see what I mean when you watch Morgan Lake of Team England's attempt.

As athletes and coaches, you may have to face so much negative press and navigate hostile environments. There's definitely a post for that at some point, but I think that it is important to reflect on who all's in your corner. The beautiful thing about that is that with your platform, you really have no idea how much you inspire others, the impact you have on others, or how much people are willing to sacrifice to see you succeed in life.

Did you know that in high school and college (USA) you have the ability to impact seven years worth of people? It's easy to spot out our parents, family, and close friends in the stands, but what about the cafeteria worker that always asks about the game and comes in clutch with the extra serving (some of y'all don't know nothing bout that!)? The kid from down the street who always saw you dress up on game days? Former teachers? The random person who follows you on Instagram? Your friend's mom's third cousin who saw the volunteer work your team is doing on Facebook? Younger athletes/scout teamers in your program who you didn't treat as less than? And people who just straight up like your smile, fashion sense, your jokes, the way you carry yourself on and off the field.

The list could go on.

You may get the chance to acknowledge and appreciate them someday, or they may just remain as flies on your wall. Behind the scenes. Parts of the bigger picture. One clap in a sea of the Commonwealth, but still they are cheering you on. That's electric (boogie-woogie-woogie)!

In the face of adversity, it could be so easy to let the pressure of what lies ahead keep you from hitting your stride . If any one could use the motivation for today, know that there is a cloud of witnesses to your career—to your life—that want to see you win. Ride that wave of encouragement and know that is a much a safety net as much as it a stepping stone. Keep going.

-Chi

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”

Heb. ‭12:1‬ ‭‬‬