Our tag line at www.OneMileRunner.com to “accelerate at any age” was fun to see in action at the end of January by one of my former students and Indian legends, Leander Paes, as he won the Australian Open Men’s Doubles crown over the Bryan brothers to complete a career Grand Slam (US Open, Wimbledon, French Open, and Australian).
I began working with Leander when he was 12 years old in 1986 in Chennai, India when I was coaching the Indian Junior National Tennis Team (1986-91). Now at 38 (turning 39 this June), he has completed one of his dreams in tennis. Please check out the Hindustan article on the achievement:
www.hindustantimes.com/sports-news/Tennis/Keeping-Paes-with-the-legend/Article1-806880.aspx
Leander is indeed an example of a great talent, true sportsman, and endearing gentleman. A wonderful role model for aspiring athletes to follow. I stopped working with Leander in 1996 and even though we do not see each other as often as we should, when we get together – it was like we saw each other yesterday.
I feel like I also “grew up” in India during my coaching years. With our recent 2010 and 2011 tours taking us to race the mile in the streets of India, it has been very special to reunite with old friends/colleagues and to work with new young athletes.
How can you accelerate toward your own physical, mental, or spiritual aspirations? Remember it is not too late to begin your quest as the process to reach your goals later in life is even sweeter.