For most folks, for most non-track and field fans, the high jump is an obscure field event that receives relatively little attention compared to such sprints as the Usain Bolt dominated 100 and 200 meters. There is something about the title, "The World's Fastest Man" that gets all the notoriety. However, for the track and field fan (and former high jumper) such as myself, the high jump is a beautiful event where for a brief moment a human being using only the power of his legs and the will of his heart defies gravity and literally flies. This past year 2014 was a particularly good year for the high jump. In this year, five different men achieved heights that placed them in the top ten of all time. To be placed in the top ten meant jumping 2.40 meters or about 7' 10.5". That is an astounding height. However, this year, in one single competition two of the competitors actually cleared 2.42 meters or about 7' 11.25". To have two individuals clear that height in the same meet was fantastic. However, topping off this greatest year in the history of the high jump was the clearance of 2.43 meters or about 7' 11.75" by an African Arab from Qatar by the name of Mutaz Barshim. You can hear the excitement caused by Barshim's leap at
and an English version can be found at
and a more condensed version can be found at
In listening to these broadcasts, please do pay attention to the jump itself. Barshim's jump is aesthetically a leap of great beauty. It is as though his body floats over the incredibly high bar. In watching this jump over and over again, for me, Barshim's jump reinforced the metaphor that can be applied when approaching life's barriers. In the high jump, we were always taught that with the right preparation and the right frame of mind, no barrier could not be overcome. We were instructed to visualize jumping higher than the bar itself and to visualize the clearance we would achieve. Indeed, we were taught that by visualizing the dream, it could become reality.
Thus, for me and perhaps for others, Barshim's remarkable leap served to reinforce the heights that the human spirit can achieve. It seems that in approaching life's barriers, whether they be professional or personal, with the right preparation and the right attitude there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome. Indeed, if we are truly blessed, we can all learn to fly over life's barriers like Mutaz Barshim.
Have a great weekend.
Peace.
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