Is losing with honour a secret victory?

Willem Visagie

On the second of December 2012, Ivan Fernandez Anya, a Spanish athlete, competed in a cross-country race in Burlada, Navarra. He was running in second place with a gap between him and the leader, Abel Mutai, a Kenyan runner. When entering the final straight of the race the Kenyan mistakenly stopped ten metres before the finish, thinking he was already over the line. Ivan saw this and rather than running past and taking an easy victory, he stopped to guide the Kenyan to the finish line so that the rightful winner, Abel, could take the victory.

Is it really important to try and win at all costs, or is losing with honour a secret victory?

We live in a world that glorifies victory, but it is crucial to remind ourselves that winning is not the sole determi- nant of success or fulfilment. While striving for victory is commendable, it is equally important to go out there and take part with a good heart and integrity, regardless of the outcome. When we focus solely on winning, we risk overlooking the invaluable lessons that come from participation. Engaging in any activity, be it sports, arts or academics, provides opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and self-discovery. It is through participation that we learn perseverance, discipline, teamwork, and resilience, traits that extend beyond the boundaries of competition and contribute to our overall growth as individuals.

Valuing participation over mere victory nurtures a healthier perspective on success. Success is not solely defined by the number of victories we accumulate, but rather by the meaningful connections we forge, the memories we create, and the personal satisfaction we derive. By shifting our focus from a narrow outcome-oriented mindset to a broader appreciation of the journey, we cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling approach to life and we become better people!

“I didn’t deserve to win. I did what I had to do. He was the rightful winner” said the 24-year-old Fernandez Anaya. Sure, if the Spanish athlete had passed the Kenyan, it wouldn’t have been considered cheating, yet Ivan chose to lose with honour.

I think we should all try to do our best to achieve greatness, to excel at what we do and to try to win. But we must be careful not to cross the line of winning and cheating, we must remember to enjoy what we are doing and, most importantly, to show good sportsmanship and be willing to lose with honour. So next time when you are on the rugby field, out on the track or the tennis court, do your best and strive for success, but ALWAYS prioritise good values!