Welcome to the month of July and what a memorable time it has been!
I have had the pleasure to have finally returned to Cambridge to celebrate my graduation and be surrounded once again by the natural beauty of Newnham College gardens. Above is a photo taken in the early morning when I had the fantastic opportunity to travel to a small village just outside of Cambridge and to enjoy serenity and peace during such a momentous weekend.
The topic of this month's blog is one which centres around mistakes and how we learn from them. I recently listened to a few different podcasts and was inspired by the idea that we should be curious of mistakes and also to live for the journey as well as the view at the top of the mountain.
George Bernard Shaw said:
"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing"
To me, this is very relevant in the current month as the 2020 Olympic Games begin, having been delayed for a year. There have been a variety of documentaries which have featured Great Britain and their performance at the Olympic Games previously which has steadily improved over time. However, one of the resounding points which is repeated by so many athletes from a range of sports is how they have become more determined to win and be successful after their mistakes. This have given them extra determination and perseverance to get to the top and succeed. For others, it has given them the chance to coach young athletes with potential, to ensure that they don't repeat the mistakes.
Above is the delightful Cambridge college Girton where my journey to Cambridge first began, and it was wonderful to reminisce about all that I have learnt since the application and all that has happened since then. It felt natural to complete that academic journey of my life near to the place where it had begun and a great way to celebrate the amazing time spent in such a picturesque place.
For the reminder of this blog, I am going to focus on the story of a female British athlete who was determined to get to the top of that mountain, despite many challenges along the way. To me, she epitomises that hard work and dedication will triumph in the end.
The one and only Dame Kelly Holmes.
Brought up in Kent, she began training for athletics at the age of 12, joining Tonbridge Athletics club. She then went on to win the English Schools 1500m in her second season in 1983. Throughout this time, her hero was the British middle-distance runner Steve Ovett and she was inspired by his success at the 1980 Olympics. He won the gold medal in the 800m, and set 5 world records for 1500m and the mile run, and even a world record at 2 miles. What a role model for her to set her eyes on!
However, Kelly Holmes turned away from athletics at age 18, as she subsequently joined the army. She initially became a HGV driver in the Women's Royal Army Corps and later on, became a basic physical training instructor (PTI).
Although she was quite young in military years, Holmes' athletic prowess continued to be impressive and she was encouraged to attend course selection for full-time transfer to the Royal Army Physical Training Corps in Aldershot. Eventually, she attained the role of a Sergeant Class PTI, already demonstrating her endurance and persistence to succeed.
Alongside this, she became the British army Judo champion and at an athletics event, she competed in and won an 800m, a 3,000m and a relay race all in a single day. She also won the heptathlon. It was clear to see that she was athletically talented.
Having watched the 1992 Summer Olympics on television, she saw Lisa York - another British middle and long-distance runner - competing in the heats of 3000m. Kelly Holmes had previously competed against and had beaten Lisa York. So, she decided to return to Athletics. For a few years, she underwent athletics training alongside her employment in the Army, until an increase in funding allowed her to become a full-time athlete in 1997.
She competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and came fourth in 800m, having only just recovered from a stress fracture. Four years later, and another injury. A ruptured calf left her with only six weeks to train for 2000 Sydney Olympics. Be that as it may, she won a bronze medal in 800m and came seventh in the 1500m. It is clear to see from her journey that she had the determination and passion not only to aim for success, but also to learn from the journey. This is demonstrated in her following words.
She said:
"I was 12 when I started and 34 before I achieved my dream, that should give people hope"
2004 brought Athens Olympics and no injury concerns for the first time in her athletics career. She had originally planned to compete only in the 1500m but a victory over a fierce rival spread rumours that she may compete in 800m race also. She decided not to announce her decision in both events until five days before the final of the 800m. At the age of 34, she became the seventh British woman to win an athletics gold, as she took the gold medal in the 800m. In the 1500m final, she also took the gold, becoming only the third woman in history to do the 800 and 1500m double. Her time also set a new British record for the 1500m race.
She was then given the honour of carrying the British flag at the closing ceremony of the Olympic games, on 29th August, the day after her second victory in the 1500m. To me, this signifies the moment at which Kelly Holmes had reached the top of the mountain and could appreciate how important it was to acknowledge the learning along the journey there.
Dame Kelly Holmes said:
“The first thing is to identify that thing inside you that makes you have that passion and determination. You have to listen to that.”
Kelly Holmes' passion and determination is epitomised in the photo below, taken at 2004 Athens Olympic Games. What an inspiring story of an individual who would not let her injuries overcome her, and was comfortable to learn and endure the journey before achieving two Olympic gold medals, and subsequently becoming a Dame. I feel this is a very poignant time to retell this story, as we watch Team GB compete in Tokyo 2020, and hope that you find inspiration from the story. Most importantly, never give up and persevere along the journey, learning from any mistakes or errors along the way.
Yesterday, we observed the power of #MagicMonday and how TeamGB stepped onto the medal podium multiple times throughout the day. 21 year-old Tom Pidcock biking to cross-country gold that brought Team GB its first medal in mountain biking. 22 year-old Lauren Williams fighting to become the second Team GB taekwondo medallist, winning silver in the women’s -67kg category. Tom Daley and Matty Lee diving to gold during Daley's fourth Olympic Games. Adam Peaty becoming the first British swimmer to retain their Olympic title after winning Team GB’s first gold medal of Tokyo 2020 with victory in the men’s 100m breaststroke. And 23 year-old Alex Yee swimming, cycling and running to silver medal position.
I am sure there is still a lot to come from Team GB with so many talented athletes yet to compete. There are many inspiring individuals and I could continue writing until the end of time about them all. However, I think that this story is particularly heartening and I hope you have seen how we, as human beings, really can achieve anything we put our minds to.
And continuing with the foodie inspiration...
Personally, I continue to enjoy and learn whilst developing the lifestyle brand in terms of visibility on social media channels. I continue to post daily foodie inspiration and am focusing on sharing a variety of daily content for you to enjoy at your own leisure.
When visiting Cambridge, I took the time to visit one of my favourite foodie places there and enjoy a delicious stack of American-style pancakes.
Thank you for all your continued support for the brand instagram account and I hope you enjoy the range of foodie inspiration which continues daily. I am continuing with breakfast bowl inspiration and I hope you enjoy taking the time to make your creations in the kitchen with whatever takes your fancy! I was delighted to be able to meet up with friends and family at the start of this month and hope that you take the time to do the same, enjoying some yummy food at the same time :)
Sunday Sunrise Sounds also continues each week on Lymm Radio 6-8am - listen for my latest new promo and I hope you can continue to enjoy a plethora of different tunes and quotes as a relaxing way to end your week!
Tune into the radio show via your smart speaker or via this link...a positive way to start the day! #localradio
I conclude July's blog with an encouraging quote by Weston H. Agor:
"Making mistakes simply means you are learning faster"
Wishing you a fantastic July and enjoy all of the freedom which the eased restrictions allow, whilst taking care of yourself and all those whom you love around you!
Happy July,
Sitara xxx
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