If you’re going to go for Gold, then you better be prepared for some fails along the way. 
Here’s some of the painful moments in the London Games…
Bloopers – http://youtu.be/eHQSPjdfpmw
And now for a story of inspiration.
Matthias Steiner (born 1982 in Vienna) is an Austrian–German weightlifter, and Olympic gold medalist. Earl in life since an untreated infection[2] Steiner suffers from diabetes, diagnosed at his 18th birthday.[3] Before the diagnosis, the first symptom was an intense thirst, then he lost appetite, and 5 kilograms (11 lb) body weight within three months.[3] He went to the doctor when his sight deteriorated.[3] Despite the diagnosis he followed his dream to become a weightlifter.
On July 16, 2007 his wife Susann died in a car accident.[8][9] Despite the tragic loss, and after losing 7 kilograms (15 lb)[6] body weight, he was able to continue his training.
He received German citizenship in early 2008, won overall silver at the 2008 European Championships, and the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Here is the story of his gold medal performance
VIDEO LINK http://youtu.be/xLN4OHxfbGQ
What a story of passion to triumph!
He won gold and broke his personal best.
German Olympic weightlifter Matthias Steiner promised his wife that one day he would win a gold medal in the Olympics. Just a year before the competition of 2008 Olympics, his wife tragically died in a car accident. In order to break the record, he needed to beat his personal record by 10 kg. This is the video of his attempt at the gold medal.
When he had lifted his final lift to win the gold he broke down and wept profusely… he was winning it for his wife. He told her on her death bed “I will win gold for you”
How huge was his motivation?
The medal ceremony was VERY moving! He wept so much holding a photo of his wife all the time.
What motivates you?
Winning a gold medal is a great motivation, but this man had an even bigger motivation – LOVE
He was motivated by doing it for another.
Often what separates gold medal winners from the rest of the pack is not the talent or ability; but the shear courage and will to win. Passion is a strong force that propels you towards your dream.
A famous Australian competitor Gillian Rolton is Australia’s first female equestrian gold-medallist. A schoolteacher from Adelaide, Gillian Rolton was a Show and Dressage rider from the age of ten until her early twenties. In 1992 she was a late inclusion the Australian equestrian team competing at the Barcelona Olympic Games after she beat all male members of the team in the final selection trial at Savernake, England. Competing alongside Matt Ryan and Andrew Hoy, Rolton rode an excellent round on Peppermint Grove on the final day of competition, and became the first Australian female equestrian to win a gold medal.
Rolton achieved even greater notoriety after the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. Thrown twice from Peppermint Grove in the cross-country section, Rolton remounted and finished the course despite a broken collar-bone and two broken ribs. The Australian team, comprised of Andrew Hoy, Wendy Schaeffer, Phillip Dutton and Rolton, won gold.
You would have to ask the question – how much do you want it?
What is the passion that rules your life?
Some people live passionless lives because they have not been shown a cause that has lifted them to strive for more.
Some people have begun in passion but have run out of gas along the way due to pain or disappointment.
What is the cause that you are passionate about?
My brother in law Tony Kirwan is passionate about rescuing young girls from sexual exploitation. His organisation Destiny Rescue rescues young girls from brothels. Its dangerous and difficult work, but he has a huge passion to rescue girls because as he says, “What would you do if your daughter was imprisoned against her will in one of these brothels.”
Passion for others is a powerful motivation and strength giver when you are on your quest for gold or for any great achievement
Jesus was motivated to do it for you.
For the joy that was set before Him He endured the cross
Heb 12:2 Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [Ps. 110:1.]
Is there not a cause?
King David, while stil, ayoung man saw goliath threatening Israel and wanted to see him defeated. But his older brother was cynical and negative about this young passion carrier…
1Sa 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why did you come down here? and with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride, and the naughtiness of your heart; for you have come down that you might see the battle.
1Sa 17:29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? (NKJV)
Isn’t there something that motivates us to live a bigger life?
To overcome every difficulty, to press on when we would rather give up, to try again when it all seems too hopeless?
Yes its for others. It’s for people who don’t know Jesus yet.
The Cause…… Australia For Christ
Jesus was motivated by love for others. He died on the cross for you.
His passion was enormous and carried Him through the most unbelievable agony of suffering just so you and I could find forgiveness and pardon for our sins.
Give your life to Christ and Go for Gold, find a cause worth giving your life for.
Mine is Australia For Christ.
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