Sport for all? It’s all about the people.

Love or hate it, sport is full of stories. Epic tales of overcoming adversity; the struggle to defy the odds; the winner-takes-all, last-moment victory. Excuse me if I got a bit gladiatorial.

Maybe you’re not into sport, or there’s stuff about professional sport that puts you off. I find it both fascinating and infuriating.

We forget that sports “stars” are people
We’re very quick to laud exceptional athletes with status, praise and money. Perhaps that then puts exceptions on them to be something better than us.

People have great stories
Have a read of this story about a guy who has made a surprise leap to the highest level of his chosen sport (Rugby).

Darryl Marfo in training with Edinburgh Rugby
Darryl Marfo in training with Edinburgh Rugby (source: scrum magazine)

The BBCs Tom English often writes a good narrative, but the real star of the piece is Darryl Marfo. The authenticity of his story – not hiding his moments of doubt, regret or reliance on others.

You see, people – characters, their history, challenges and destiny – are the key to compelling story. We like to know how it ends.

Call to action?
I’m left wanting to speak to the guy and hear more. Which is exactly what a good story should do. And then I think there’s hundreds of stories like this all around us every day. So maybe I just need to ask the person next to me what their story is.

For now, I suggest the article is worth a read to see both how Tom articulates it and how Darryl’s personality seems to come through. Good writing inspires action.

Marvellous Darryl Marfo’s moving climb to Scotland prominence (BBC Sport)

Let me know if I can help you write your next talk, or provide some coaching so you can deliver it.

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