Shun Fujimoto and Olympic Perseverance

“It may sound strange, but many champions are made champions by setbacks.” – Bob Richards

Do you ever feel beset by challenges and limitations? Have you ever worked hard to achieve something, only to watch it seemingly slip through your fingers?

Life often presents us with obstacles and challenges that can either send us to submission…or launch us into legend.

One of the most inspiring accounts of overcoming obstacles is that of gymnast Shun Fujimoto of Japan.

Shun Fujimoto competed with his team in the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics. During the floor exercise, Fujimoto broke his knee but did not tell anyone, fearing “the news would shatter the confidence of his teammates.

“The injured gymnast continued on to the pommel horse routine, miraculously scoring a 9.5 out of 10. He then faced the rings, which would be his final event of the day. Shun performed extraordinarily, ignoring the inevitable consequences of dismounting from eight feet off the ground. Upon completion of his routine, he hurled himself into a beautifully executed triple-somersault dismount.

“When his feet hit the floor, the pain sliced through him like a knife, but he kept his balance. Gritting his teeth, he raised his arms in a perfect finish before collapsing in agony. He was awarded a 9.7, the highest score he had ever recorded on the rings” (Shun Fujimoto – A Pioneer in Taking One for the Team).