“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

–     Theodore Roosevelt

Dara Torres - An indomitable will to succeed (Pic courtesy: Supersport.com)

Dara Torres, who is first US swimmer to compete in five Olympic Games, fell short by nine-hundredths of a second to make it to the Olympics for the sixth time. But, finishing fourth in Olympic trials against girls almost half her age is awe-inspiring and something more than an achievement.

There is nothing to prove for somebody who has won twelve Olympic medals including four gold medals, four silver medals, and four bronze medals in a career spanning for around 30 years. Winning at least one medal in every Olympics she participated, in itself speaks for her consistency throughout her career, which can only be achieved through enormous hard work and strict discipline.

Age No Bar for Success

Dara Torres has been successful in defying age, the physical limitations imposed by the advancing years and the rigorous demands that swimming makes on the human body. She won three silver medals in 2008 Summer Olympics at the age of 41 years. Though Torres tried to bid good bye to waters more than once but her love for the sport and her indomitable fighting spirit brought her back into the pools.

Her zeal to recover from fitness problems not only helped her display consistency in the sport that requires high degree of fitness but also inspired many men and women athletes who call tend to call it a day early.

There are several other such inspiring personalities who have not let age come in their way towards success or achieving their dreams.

Anthony Ervin, the 31-year-old US swimmer made a comeback this year into the national team in the men’s 50 freestyle after 12-year absence.

Tom Watson, an American professional golfer, had almost won the British Open in 2009 at the age of 59 years.

Pitcher Jamie Moyer won Major League Baseball games when he was in his late 40s.

Martina Navratilova, the legendary tennis champion, who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 10 major mixed doubles titles and 31 major women’s doubles titles (an all-time record), is oldest ever Grand Slam champion at the age of 46 years and 8 months.

Self Motivation is the Key to Success

“One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go.”

– Sheila Murray Bethel

One has to admit that such great feats are noticed and celebrated because they are unusual. But what one must understand and realize is that these inspiring people began as ordinary people just like any of us and rose to such great heights through sheer determination, a positive attitude, an insatiable desire to succeed and a zeal for self help.

The lesson we can gain through the life and achievement of Dara Torres and other athletes is simple yet revealing – if you can guide yourself towards your key to success through self improvement and the desire to excel, no dream is impossible.