Maitland can be justifiably proud of its sportsmen and women after another 12 months of sporting excellence.
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The achievements were highlighted at the annual Maitland Sportsperson of the Year Awards on Friday night.
This year’s senior winner Toby Price stood proudly among his peers with state, national and international accolades to his name.
But Price’s story on where he came from to earn national and international acclaim is the stuff of legends.
A racing accident in 2013 left the endurance motorcyclist in a critical care bed with a broken neck.
He not only battled to walk again, but got back on his motorcycle, overcoming all sorts of physical and psychological traumas to reach the top of his sport and earn selection in the Dakar Rally, the pinnacle of the sport and the toughest motor sport race in the world.
Price’s third place in Dakar put him in contention for a 2015 award nomination.
His example will hopefully inspire generations to come that you can overcome adversity, reset your goals and achieve them.
Each nominee is an inspiration in how to set and achieve goals step by step. You do not become a champion without a lot of hard work over numerous years.
But it’s not just a lesson for our elite athletes. Success in the arts, academia, trades and business all follow the same incremental approach.
There are no shortcuts to success.
Humility to learn from mistakes and take on board the advice of coaches, perseverance to overcome setbacks and flat periods, and self-belief are vital.
Fulfilling your potential is a step-by-step process we can all embark upon.