Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: RESOLUTION (01/07/16)
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TITLE: Bold Decision | Previous Challenge Entry
By Philip Aiyabei
01/09/16 -
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Born in 1989, Julius Yego had a keen interest in sports; right from childhood, He developed great passion in track and field events. After completing high school in 2005, Yego started his training, specializing in javelin throwing. As he began many people discouraged him with the notion that most Kenyan athletes were more equipped and doing well in long distant races i.e. 5000 and 10,000 meters as compared to field events.
Despite the criticism and negative perception even from sports managers in Kenya, Yego remained persistent and made a positive decision to focus fully on javelin throwing. He started small and in 2006 his first breakthrough came when he won the National junior title and broke the Kenyan junior record with a throw of 67 meters.
As his star began to shine, he enhanced his javelin skills by watching renowned athletes such as Jan Zeleny and Andreas Thorkildsen on YouTube to help with his techniques. In 2010 he improved his performance when he threw a personal best of 74.51 meters to take the bronze medal at the African championships held in Nairobi. In all this He continued to perform well even without a throwing coach and this is attributed due to the lack of popularity of the event in Kenya.
At the 2013 world championships in Moscow, Yego placed fourth improving his Kenyan record by more than three meters to 85.40. This achievement increased his momentum and determination in the event, more specifically was the support from the government that had seen that even in field events, Kenyan athletes could still shine in the world.
At the 2015 world championships in Beijing, Yego brought glory and pride to the Nation when he won Gold medal with a throw of 92.72 meters. A performance never experienced since independence, an achievement that was only possible through one young man who decided to venture in unfamiliar territory. Likewise, change in our situation will only occur when a new plan or undertaking is followed. The following bible story narrates how a bold decision which might have seemed risky and dangerous, transformed the situation of the four lepers: Now there were four men with leprosy at the entrance of the city gate. They said to each other, "Why stay here until we die? If we say, 'We'll go into the city'--the famine is there, and we will die. And if we stay here, we will die. So let's go over to the camp of the Arameans and surrender. If they spare us, we live; if they kill us, then we die." 2 kings 7:3-4 (New international version).
As we begin 2016, focus on your own plan of action, venture in that new activity never done before, yes resolve and move, resistance and fears will come but with determination and strength from God, you will end 2016 victoriously. Happy New Year!
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Thank you for your writing.
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God bless~
Unfortunately, like some nonfiction, it read a little dry. Although it was well-written and had few errors (Bible should start with a capital letter), I missed that personal spark. There are ways to make nonfiction pop. One way would be to tell it from your POV. For example something like this: An inspirational athlete taught me a valuable lesson. I found myself fascinated by Julius Yego, who was born in 1989. He developed a passion in track and field events. I found myself relating to his courage. Even though his coaches encouraged him to run distance like other Kenyans, he stayed true to himself. He made me realize that I needed to listen to how God calls me and then follow His lead.
That's not the best example, but it gives you a rough idea of what I mean. You'd be able to better personalize how and why he inspired you.
On the message boards, there is a great thread called Jan's Writing Basics. I believe she just did an edition about making nonfiction pop. I'd urge you to check it out. It's one of the best advice out there and it's free! Another thing you could do is turn it into creative nonfiction. Pretend you're him and tell it from his POV. Show how he might ve felt and sprinkle some of the facts throughout it.
I liked the way you merged the Bible story with something people can relate to today. You definitely nailed the topic and your message is one I know I need to be reminded of often. I get some pretty bad panic attacks and am afraid to take risks, even things like having a friend over stresses me out, but you reminded me that Christ will never leave me, and give me the strength to follow his lead. I thank you for that.