Inspiration, Sports and Friendship

To be great at something is one thing, but to inspire those around you to succeed as well is a greater attribute than any other. Being an athlete myself, I understand what it means to wanna succeed and be the best. There are many great athletes out there who are good at what they do, but there are only few among them who have the attribute of making those around them whether it be teammates or opponents reach there so called maximum potential. This is a quality that cant be taught or learned, instead it is a second nature of greatness and inspiration.

In sports today and in the past we see many great leaders: Ray Lewis, The Williams sisters, David Beckham, Michael Jordan, Ali, Babe Ruth and so on, not only make a name for themselves in what they do but push those they come in contact with to become better, to put time and hours, sweat tears and blood into what they love. Also in the process of doing so they create bonds that can not be broken, some examples being: Kobe and Shaq, Stockton and Malone, Jordan and Pippin.

Tsukimoto and Peco are also a great example of this. Growing up the two boys were brought into the world of table tennis, to them it was not only a sport, but a lifestyle and in this special case a means for each other to build on the foundation of friendship. The story goes as told, Peco befriended Tsukimoto and through ping pong was able to inspire him. Along the lines though, Peco loses his touch for the game and also is surpassed by Tsukimoto. Jealousy and despite was now a new motivator for Peco, at one point he even gave up the sport all together. In the end he realized that as good as Tsukimoto was, it was only because he was inspired by his hero, Peco. He also realized that to Tsukimoto winning was not his goal, but returning the favor and helping Peco live his dream.

By inspiring and motivating each other the boys excelled and also grew closer. They realized without the other, the sport did not mean anything, that through all there training there motivation was only the other. Tsukimoto helped Peco reach his dream of becoming one of the worlds greatest table tennis players, while on the other hand Peco inspired Tsukimoto to be a better person. Rewards neither of them imagined attaining without the other, and this is what made them ''Greats''.