More than the Hair Flow?

Story of The Week

Nathan always looked the part—a true hockey player with flowing hair and a gleaming smile that won over crowds. But beneath the surface, Nathan was different. He thrived on the attention and sympathy he received for every minor ache he claimed kept him from playing his best. Whether it was a sore wrist or a twisted ankle, Nathan had an excuse, and a circle of admirers, mostly girls and sympathetic parents, who believed every word.

However, unbeknownst to Nathan, his teammates had grown weary of his antics. They whispered in locker rooms and on the ice, frustrated by his lack of commitment. They needed a teammate who would lay it all on the line, not just one who looked good in a jersey.

Enter Coach Gaucher, a no-nonsense leader with a keen eye for potential and an even keener disdain for wasted talent. One frosty morning, as Nathan regaled a group of teammates with a tale of his latest minor injury, Coach Gaucher called him aside. The conversation was blunt. “You look the part, Nathan," he said, "but you're not fooling anyone here. It’s time to decide if you’re going to be a real player or just a sideshow for sympathy.”

Stunned, Nathan watched as his coach walked away. The words stung, more than any pretend injury ever had. He looked at his teammates, really looked, and saw the disappointment he’d ignored for too long.

That was the turning point.

Nathan started pushing through the little pains, the ones he used to parade as excuses. Practices became his proving grounds, games his battlegrounds. His teammates noticed the change, their respect growing with each shift he played without complaint. Nathan discovered a new side of himself—one that could handle real pain and brush off discomfort.

As his commitment deepened, so did his skills. Nathan was faster, stronger, more agile. Even the hockey hair seemed to flow even more impressively when streaked with sweat from genuine effort.

And yes, the girls and parents still cheered for him and his hair flow, perhaps even louder than before. But this time, they cheered for his heart and hustle, not the supposed injuries. Nathan had learned that the respect of his teammates and the thrill of truly playing the game were worth far more than any fleeting sympathy could ever offer.

Stat of the week

Usain Bolt, the fastest man on earth, won gold in the 100m and 200m races at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012, 2016). His secret to winning the 2008 Olympic 100m final was a diet of chicken nuggets and yams. Despite having scoliosis, Bolt owns the world records of 9.58 seconds for the 100m and 19.19 seconds for the 200m. The son of Jamaican grocery store owners, Bolt has never run a mile in his life!