Nurturing Champions in Sports and Life

By George Rushing, Director of Pio Decimo 
 
A 12-year-old who attends Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School recently won a silver medal at the National Junior High Olympics in track and field. Michelle Rushing earned the honors over the summer. Her father, George Rushing, is the executive director at Pio Decimo Center. In his own words, Rushing recently shared how faith grounds his family. 
 
As parents, my wife and I believe that instilling the values of faith and family is paramount to raising our children. As I watch my children grow, develop their skills, and pursue their dreams in sports and life, I am reminded of how these two pillars have played a significant role in shaping their character and helping them excel on and off the field. I would like to share my thoughts on why faith and family are essential components in the journey of nurturing champions in the world of sports and life. 
  
Our faith serves as the bedrock upon which all success is built though resilience and perseverance. It teaches our children to trust in their God given abilities and their best efforts are enough despite the outcome. Faith also provides them with the strength to persevere through challenges and setbacks, knowing that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. When we encourage our children to have faith in achieving their dreams, we empower them to face the uncertainties of life with courage. 
  
As parents, it is crucial to prioritize instilling values that go beyond winning and losing. By teaching our young athletes the importance of integrity, sportsmanship, humility, and empathy, we enable them to embrace the joy of competition while respecting their opponents and embracing the lessons learned from every match, race, or game. These values extend beyond the sports arena and contribute to shaping them into well-rounded individuals, with the potential to make a positive impact on the world. 
  
As a close-knit family, family support is the backbone of all our journeys. A supportive family environment provides an emotional safety net that allows our children to take risks, overcome fears, and grow without the fear of judgment. By encouraging them to do their best academically, attending games, cheering them on, and offering guidance when needed, we show our belief in their abilities. This support helps them build self-confidence and feel valued, regardless of the outcome of their endeavors. 
  
We have always challenged our family to never settle for mediocrity and to strive to be great at all their pursuits; fully understanding greatness comes with sacrifice. It has meant giving up comforts and wants to pursue meaningful goals. We remind them that greatness requires discipline, focus, and maximum effort. It means competing in everything they do and never losing sight of their goals. It has involved fighting through pain, setbacks, and challenges, knowing that each obstacle is an opportunity for growth. We remind them of the inspiring words of Muhammad Ali, who famously said, "I hated every day of training, but I said to myself, suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion." These words serve as a reminder that greatness is not easy, but it is worth pursuing with a firm dedication. 
  
In conclusion, faith and family form the foundation of our children's journey towards greatness. These values teach them to have belief in themselves and in something greater than themselves. With the support of a loving family and the power of faith, our children can navigate through life's challenges and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. As parents, we may not have a magic formula for parenting, but we firmly believe that instilling the principles of faith, family, and sacrifice will guide our children toward a future where they can become the best versions of themselves and leave a lasting legacy. 
 
Michelle Rushing won the silver medal for 80-meter hurdles at National Junior Olympics