"Thanks Mom" - An Olympic Story

Posted by Vince Poscente on Sat, Mar 03, 2012 @ 10:49 AM

The London Olympic Games are around the corner. From business consultants to teachers, from sales trainers to dog walkers, from motivational speakers to tax accountants - the same thought will cross your mind when you see Olympic Heros vie for gold - "I wonder if that Olympic athlete's mom is there?" Moreover, "What did that Olympic Mom do to support her Olympian?" Here's an Olympic Story to basically say one thing, "Thanks Mom."

One year prior to the Olympic Winter Games in Albertville, the Canadian Olympic Committee decided demonstration sport athletes in Curling, Freestyle and Speed Skiing would not march in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. This made Mama Bear very angry. (When the right eye narrows and starts twitching, the superhero invisibility reflex will keep you intact.)

For months, my mom went on a PR and letter writing campaign to overturn that decision. An untold number of letters were sent to the President and board of the Canadian Olympic Association. Elected representatives, officials and key contacts made their displeasure known in the form of their own letters. Once the media found out it became embarrassing I guess. The COA reversed its decision.

Mom and Dad had tickets for the Opening Ceremonies in February 1992. Mom particularly was busting with vindicated pride.

During the Olympics in Albertville, I happened across the President of the COA.

“Poscente? Son of Patricia Poscente?” she asked.

“Yes Maam.”

“Your mother is very…” she paused to find the right word, “communicative.” She paused again, “I have a stack, that high, on my desk.” She paused again, looked in my eyes and smiled. “It’s a privilege to have your mom in your corner like that young man. Good luck in your event.”

Winston Churchill said, “Sometimes doing your best is not good enough. Sometimes you must do what is required.” The athletes at an Olympic Games strive for excellence. A motivated Mom, helping do what’s required, can bring any challenge within reach.

For many athletes, the thrill of competing in the Olympic Games is sharing it with family.

 Vince and Pat 1961

Patricia Poscente with son Vince 1961

The excitement of the closing ceremonies was made better when my parents somehow found me in the infield. My dad thought it was impossible. But my mom was on a mission. Of the thousands of people that flooded onto the field to join the mingling athletes, mom walked with purpose to her first born. It took her less than two minutes.

Moms are amazing.

On behalf of all people who have a mother (and that should pretty much cover all of us):

Mom, thank you for being on our side. We couldn’t have made it this far without you.

Thanks Mom!

Screen shot 2012 02 06 at 5.53.28 PM

It doesn't have to be Mother's Day to give a "Thanks Mom Gift"

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Tags: Goals, Self Development, Motivational, Business Leadership, Inspirational