A year earlier and he had been a student sat in a cafe. Now, Donald Thomas was the 2007 World Champion in high-jump. The rookie with only eight months of genuine high-jump training had beaten a man who had dedicated eighteen years towards medal success. If it wasn’t for a bet with a mate, the Bahamian would never have discovered that he could clear the bar set at 8 feet 2. Perhaps, even more astonishing, just two months following the wager and having only ever jumped seven times, he had achieved fourth in the Commonwealth Games – and he wasn’t even wearing the right shoes!
Thomas’ feat turns the popular (and incorrect) belief of 10,000 practise hours being required to become an elite performer, into a myth. We all have natural talents and abilities, some to do with our genes (in Thomas’ case, scientists later found an extra long Achilles tendon), others concerning our brain, personality and how we were nurtured. The thing is that like Thomas, there are probably some hidden talents or interests that whatever your age, you have yet to find.
So as you enjoy the festive holiday and contemplate your vision and plans for next year, could 2014 be time to explore a new activity? You know, that one you keep thinking to yourself that you would love to have a go at doing, if only you could find the time…