Earned Arrogance

I have just listened to commentators discuss a performance by Russian figure skater Yevgeni Plushenko. He gave a flawless performance in his fourth Olympics.  At 31, he is an "old man" in this physically demanding sport, and he's had multiple surgeries to allow him to compete after serious injuries.  The commentators spoke of his "arrogance" but then, as they listed the extremely difficult figures that he had performed exquisitely, they added that his arrogance had been well-earned.  Should I mention that he is competing against 18- and 19-year-olds. 

Plushenko is not the only "old guy" in these Olympics.  Several events today featured competitors in their third and fourth Olympics, including the grueling distance cross-country skiers and biathletes.  A number of times commentators spoke or arrogance and cockiness in these athletes.  None of the ones that I heard interviewed seemed unduly boastful.  I wonder at what point "earned arrogance" simply reflects the grit and confidence that it takes to compete at a global level for over a decade.

In "Having Heart" (2/3/14) I wrote about having the heart of a champion, but in that post, I was speaking of a teenage champion in her first Olympics.  I think it takes something more to endure year after year after year not only the physical toll that competition takes but the sacrifice, commitment and focus which are demanded.  Freestyle skier Hannah Kearney, who had hoped to win back-to-back Olympic gold in Sochi, but was disappointment with bronze, seemed to be considering another go four years from now in her post-race interview.  She talked about having a "broken heart," which she said she'd really never had because her primary relationship had been with her sport.

Although it is impressive to see the commitment these athletes bring to what they do, it is easy to overlook the enduring commitment that many ordinary people bring to day-to-day life without fanfare. Facing incredible odds because they believe in something, they too sacrifice as they persevere in face of incredible odds. Some work with individuals with mental health or addiction challenges. Others fight to end the use of chemical weapons,.  There are international aid or refugee workers, who face almost impossible odds to help those facing even more impossible odds. Still others work tirelessly to end human trafficking.  There are millions of people who work tirelessly to teach children all over the globe just because they believe in the value of learning.  Just as the long-time athletes, the commitment, focus, and endurance these people bring to what they do allows them to persevere over decades.

Whether it is on the Olympic stage, in the classrooms of our cities, or in a harbor in Syria attempting to collect chemical weapons, our world is a better place because of those who have the grit and confidence to stay focused on what is important.  And, if the confidence they display about what they know is right can be described as arrogance, then, like Plushenko, let's say that it is arrogance earned by awesome performance.