A mother was criticizing her daughter after watching the girl was not good enough to compete at a championship level during the daily training in the gymnastics camp.
The scene reminded me of my1of the day when one of my own gymnastic performances put me close to tears.
My mother became seriously ill when she was young, and she has 2a wheelchair ever since. But she never let that3her. She has raised five children and has a career as well.
One day I joined a gymnastics program at a nearby park. Before long, I was totally4in it. By 1972, I was on the National Gymnastics Team for the Olympic Games. I couldn't think of anything else but 5 a gold medal.
Before the competition, all in my mind was6not to disgrace (使……丢脸)my country and myself. But, though I tried my best, I didn't win a gold medal. I was so7. When the winners were receiving8, I joined my parents in the stands, and we all cried. "I'm sorry. I did my best," said me.
She said nothing but ten words I never9, "Doing your best is more important than being the best." Suddenly I understood my mother10than ever before. She had never let her handicap(残疾) 11her from always doing her best.
Now I approached the crying girl and put a(n)12around her. "Honey," I said." I know you have done your best, and doing your best is more important than being the best. I'm 13 you."
She 14at me with tears in her eyes. Maybe somewhere, someday, she'll15those words along.
