MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY: THE LOVE OF A FATHER
Canoeing specialist Bill Havens was almost guaranteed to win a gold medal in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. But a few months before the games he learned that his wife would likely give birth to their first child while he was away.
Canoeing specialist Bill Havens was almost guaranteed to win a gold medal in the 1924 Olympics in Paris. But a few months before the games he learned that his wife would likely give birth to their first child while he was away.
She told him that she could make it on her own, but this was a milestone Bill didn’t want to miss. So he surprised everyone and stayed home. He greeted his infant son, Frank, into the world on August 1, 1924.
Though he always wondered what might have been, he said he never regretted his decision. He poured his life into that little lad and shared with him a love for the rapids.
Twenty-eight years passed, and the Olympic Games were held in Helsinki, Finland.
Twenty-eight years passed, and the Olympic Games were held in Helsinki, Finland.
This time his son, Frank was chosen to compete in the canoeing event. The day after the competition, Bill received a telegram from Frank that read:
“Dear Dad, thanks for waiting around for me to be born. I’m coming home with the gold medal that you should have won.”
“Dear Dad, thanks for waiting around for me to be born. I’m coming home with the gold medal that you should have won.”
It was signed “Your loving son, Frank.”
Frank Havens had just won the gold medal in the singles 10,000 meters canoeing event – a grueling 10,000-meter Canadian single-blade race in 57 minutes and 41 seconds. He broke the world record set by Czechoslovakia's Frantisek Capek.
Frank Havens had just won the gold medal in the singles 10,000 meters canoeing event – a grueling 10,000-meter Canadian single-blade race in 57 minutes and 41 seconds. He broke the world record set by Czechoslovakia's Frantisek Capek.
Havens remains the only American Olympic gold medal winner in a singles canoeing event.
The American then went on to compete in four Olympics, 1948 in London, 1952 at Helsinki, Finland, 1956 at Melbourne, Australia, and 1960 in Rome, Italy.
The American then went on to compete in four Olympics, 1948 in London, 1952 at Helsinki, Finland, 1956 at Melbourne, Australia, and 1960 in Rome, Italy.
Havens, whose many accomplishments include the National Paddling Single Blade championships in 1950, 1951, 1952, 1956, 1957, and 1961 refused to rest.
In the 1985 World Masters Games in Toronto, at the age of 61, he paddled his way to seven first-place medals in seven races.
In the 1985 World Masters Games in Toronto, at the age of 61, he paddled his way to seven first-place medals in seven races.
The former Olympian continued his extraordinary victory streak in the 1989 World Games in Denmark.
Bill Havens wanted his family to know they always came first, no matter what. And that made him a hero to a little boy named Frank.
Bill Havens wanted his family to know they always came first, no matter what. And that made him a hero to a little boy named Frank.
Bill understood that medals tarnish, records are broken, and achievements are soon forgotten.
These things don’t satisfy. What does? The love you have for your children, and the love they have for you.
These things don’t satisfy. What does? The love you have for your children, and the love they have for you.
Jesus Christ pointed out that even when a child is wayward, a parent’s love can restore them.
Are you neglecting your family today? If so, take action immediately! Have a historic week ahead. #HistoryVille #MondayMotivation
Are you neglecting your family today? If so, take action immediately! Have a historic week ahead. #HistoryVille #MondayMotivation
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
