Читать книгу Making Waves - Chris Epting - Страница 6

Preface

by Mark Spitz

Shirley, you gave all that you had to give. You saw it in your mind. You never turned away or quit. You sought, and you found. It was that power of your dreams, holding on to hope, that took you much higher.

Your destiny was not a matter of chance, but a matter of the choices you made. It wasn’t something that you waited around for, but rather achieved. You saw things that never were and said, “Why not?” You became a champion, you became a leader, you became you—a true Olympian. You lived for your tomorrows like only you could, with dignity.

So, we celebrate you, Shirley Babashoff, and your Olympic performances. The tradition goes on, a tradition that is more than two thousand years old. The call has been the same throughout history: Citius, Altius, Fortius. “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” It is the call that you took, and you inspired us with your talent, pride, dedication, and courage.

You stood on the victory podium with the finest in the world. You reached for that never-ending pursuit of excellence, and that is the way it should be. What you did has become the standard for generations not yet born. You achieved and excelled, and history has recorded it as the measure of your greatness.

We celebrate in tribute to you, Shirley, what you so richly earned. It is your time and turn to be recognized. Let this book renew your incredible success.

Your honored teammate and friend,

MARK SPITZ

1972 Olympian