(via The Guardian) The caption beside this picture reads: Gold medalist Matthias Steiner of Germany poses with a picture of his late wife Susann during the medal ceremony for the men’s +105 kg weightlifting event What Michael Phelps did was incredible, don’t get me wrong but it’s Steiner’s story that chokes me up. Michael Phelps trained since he was little and set a goal for himself to change the sport of swimming. Matthias Steiner worked for years too, I’m sure. His wife probably sat beside him at competitions and when he got home from the gym, easing his body into a state of relaxation after tremendous stress at the gym. Phelps accomplished his goals for himself and his family who spent precious time and money to enable him to flourish. Steiner wanted gold for one reason: his wife. There seems to be some odd connection, especially in sports, of victory when a loved one passes. Brett Favre had one of the most amazing games of his career the day after his father died and Steiner’s victory is no different. In his mind, the physical pain of lifting 250+ kilograms of weight didn’t even compare to the heavy weight that held down his heard. On most days athletes operate on passion and determination, Steiner was fueled purely by love and longing. That’s why his story touches me, because he didn’t do it for himself. He didn’t want to win for himself in the slightest. The Olympics to Steiner were all about his wife and making her proud, which is exactly what he did. “This gold is for my wife. I missed her a lot,” he said.

(via The Guardian)

The caption beside this picture reads: Gold medalist Matthias Steiner of Germany poses with a picture of his late wife Susann during the medal ceremony for the men’s +105 kg weightlifting event

What Michael Phelps did was incredible, don’t get me wrong but it’s Steiner’s story that chokes me up. Michael Phelps trained since he was little and set a goal for himself to change the sport of swimming. Matthias Steiner worked for years too, I’m sure. His wife probably sat beside him at competitions and when he got home from the gym, easing his body into a state of relaxation after tremendous stress at the gym.

Phelps accomplished his goals for himself and his family who spent precious time and money to enable him to flourish. Steiner wanted gold for one reason: his wife. There seems to be some odd connection, especially in sports, of victory when a loved one passes. Brett Favre had one of the most amazing games of his career the day after his father died and Steiner’s victory is no different.

In his mind, the physical pain of lifting 250+ kilograms of weight didn’t even compare to the heavy weight that held down his heard. On most days athletes operate on passion and determination, Steiner was fueled purely by love and longing. That’s why his story touches me, because he didn’t do it for himself. He didn’t want to win for himself in the slightest. The Olympics to Steiner were all about his wife and making her proud, which is exactly what he did.

“This gold is for my wife. I missed her a lot,” he said.

  1. zackshapiro posted this