This past week one of our local TV stations ran a story about Ian Reid, a young man with Down syndrome who has been an integral part of the local high school’s swim team for three years. Since he is now a high school senior, he recently swam his last meet with his high school team.

Although Ian has never been physically able to achieve the milestones that other team members have with their swimming, he has one thing that most people do not. He has an unmatched persistence and dedication to swimming. He always showed up for practice and completed everything his coach required of him. He completed every race even though he didn’t win any of them. He was a source of inspiration for his teammates and encouraged them to do more.

Ian’s story is one of true inspiration. He has persisted and given his personal best even when he could never physically match up with other team members. One day he hopes to swim in the Special Olympics. I am sure he will  do it and be successful.

Each one of has areas in our lives where we feel inferior to others. Instead of letting this get us down, we can choose to persist and give the best that we can. This is the definition of true success.