Persistence is a common thread in the life stories of Olympic champions.  I was in the stands that historic day in 1994 in Lillehammer, Norway, when 29 year old Dan Jansen won the Gold in the 1000 meter.  It was a triumph for America.  It was a tribute to the power of a man’s persistence in the pursuit of his dream.

Jansen’s Olympic Time Line

1988 Olympic Games in Calgary:  Jansen was the favorite in both the 500 and 1000 meter event.  Dan’s beloved sister, Jane, died that day, but he took to the ice with the goal of winning for family and country.  With the whole world watching, Dan fell just 10 seconds into the 500 meter race.  It happened again in the 1000 meter.  No win.  He persisted.

1992 Olympic Games Albertville:  Dan, the defending world cup champion, now had to battle against the "nay sayers" and his skating time.  He finished a disappointing fourth place in the 500 meter.  It got worse in the 1000 meter when a stumble landed Dan in 26^th place.  No win again.  He persisted.

1994 Olympic Games Lillehammer:  With sportscasters focusing on Dan’s past Olympic failures instead of his World Cup wins, Dan launched down the ice for the 500 meter.  Our voices were part of the crowd’s collective groan when Dan’s hand touched the ice. 

In the Olympics, winners and losers are often decided in 1/100 of a second.  And the time lost in his hand touching the ice cost Dan the medal in the 500 meter.

“He should quit,” said some.  “He’s too old,” said others.  “He’s never won in the 1000 meter,” sport’s experts told the crowd and TV audience.  "The 500 is his race.”  But Dan ignored them.  

We felt like we were racing with him at the start of his last chance race.

It seemed to be happening again!  Dan wobbled.  But this time he persisted through the wobble.  Dan regained his balance and raced on to the Gold Medal and a world record.  He crossed the finish line in 1:12:43. 

Peggy and I were two of the 10,000 voices cheering themselves hoarse as Dan skated his victory lap.  He held his baby daughter, Jane, in his arms.  More than twelve years of persistence had just paid off...in Gold.  

Guest columnist Information

Billy Florence is Vice President of IBOAI (Independent Business Owners Association International).

Billy and Peggy Florence lead Team DCI and own E-QuadNews.com

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