After months and months recovering from physical and financial challenges, Master Staup finally got back into the competition cycle. She spent hours between classes and physical therapy practicing, preparing to enter the ring again.
UC Open 2017, she enters the mat strong and confident. Her performance reflected her hard work. She is set for 1st place with one last competitor. The woman goes out, performs beautifully and the score is very close. The second poomse performed, the woman does half of the wrong form. It seemed set in stone that Master Staup would get gold, she was elated. Then the scores come up and one judge granted a near perfect score.
We all looked on in shock. It seemed so unfair. We waited thinking it would be corrected, but it was not. Master Staup looked to her coach who shrugged, and then on in composed but obvious confusion, walked confidently out and accepted her silver medal.
"It's not over until it is over. Nothing is ever guaranteed and maybe I needed that reminder today. We can work hard, do our best, do everything right, but in the end there is nothing definitive besides an end. It shouldn't take away from everything I have done and the performance I gave. Sure, it is frustrating but there will be another event. For now, I have to let the frustration run its course, let it go, and hold onto the good. We are in the Bay, now it is time to have fun and enjoy the city."
It is true. Nothing is promised to any of us but an end and we don't necessarily know how anything will end. It does not mean we should not work hard, get strong, stay healthy, eat right, or educate ourselves. All of that helps each of us to determine our best present* and hopefully a better future. Have your best now, lose with grace and confidence, and always walk tall. You are always at your best when you choose to be.