This week, the boys heard about Alex Johnson who plays for the Sydney Swans. Being an Swans fan I briefly mentioned his story to the boys at our year meeting on Tuesday. This was followed up by a more in-depth discussion today at the Headmasters Assembly and then at lunch.
Alex is 26 years of age and has been a member of the Swans squad for a 8 years, however, he plays his first match in 6 years tomorrow. He last played in the 2012 Grand Final where the Swans were fortunate enough to beat Hawthorn (cheer cheer the red and the white!) but has not played a match since. The reason for this being countless knee injuries. You may have heard about his story in the media of recent days as Alex now makes a return to the AFL this weekend when the Swans play Collingwood at the SCG. Alex has had to overcome five knee reconstructions and 12 knee operations in total, all this and he is only 26 years of age.
Now you may be reading this and wondering what is the point that I am trying to make here and I don’t blame you to be honest as I am rambling a bit. But this story inspired me and hopefully it will inspire your boys. This is one of true grit, determination and resilience. This young man has overcome countless setbacks and managed to persevere. He has been stoic in his discipline to achieve his goals and has not let obstacles get in his way. His dedication and resilient approach will now reap pleasing dividends and he should be viewed as a role model for our young men. At the start of the term, I addressed the boys and mentioned that Resilience was going to be one of my main goals/themes for the term. Too often, when things get tough, we give up and each and every one of us is guilty of this. The boys were encouraged today to remain focused on their goals and to not give up. They were reminded that the benefits will come from hard work and that by displaying resilience and true grit, great things can happen.
