A well-deserved trophy or Why it is necessary to encourage athletes

It is generally accepted that an award is not important for an athlete. Of course, she is not an end in itself. But the result of a lot of hard work. Athletes give their best in training to show their maximum in competitions. It’s hard, not only physically, but also psychologically. And this is where a trophy can come in handy. Why diplomas, medals and cups still matter, both those who receive them and the organizers of the competitions told.

History teaches

The importance of rewarding athletes who did not even reach leading positions was well understood at the beginning of the 20th century. It was then that the expression “The main thing is not victory, but participation” arose, which later became the unspoken motto of the Olympic Games. Few people know, but the story of its appearance is somewhat dramatic.

It all happened in the summer of 1908 in London. International complex sports competitions were only gaining momentum and were very different from modern ones. Athletics was the main thing in the program, and the marathon was its highlight. Its length was 42 km 195 m. There were no clearly regulated distances at the first Olympics. Perhaps this gave King Edward VII the right to insist on changing the route in such a way that, for the convenience of the royal family, the runners could be watched from the balcony of Windsor Castle.

One of the participants in the competition must have cursed such a decision for the rest of his life. We are talking about the Italian Dorando Pietri. He purposefully prepared for the marathon and counted on winning. The race took place on a very hot day, the start was given in the heat – at half past three in the afternoon. By the 32nd km, the athlete took second place, and on the 39th there was nothing left between him and the gold medal. But a few hundred meters before the finish line, Pietri lost his bearings, ran in the wrong direction, fell down and got up several times with the help of the judges. On the last fact – the intervention of the arbitrators was not allowed – later based the protest of the US delegation, which demanded a review of the results. Therefore, the “gold” went to the American John Hayes, who crossed the cherished line second. Pietri, who, having overcome himself, became the first, was disqualified.

A few days later, a service dedicated to the Olympians was held in St. Paul’s Cathedral. The American Bishop of South Bethlehem, Ethelbert Talbot, delivered a sermon. Commenting on a fragment from the First Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians, remembering the story of Dorando Pietri, he said:

“At the end of the day, the real Olympics only teaches us one solid lesson: the games themselves are better than the race and the prize. St. Paul tells us how little the reward means. Our reward is not that which is corruptible, but that which is incorruptible; and though only one may receive the laurel crown, all may share in the equal joy of the contest.” Later, the French sports and public figure and the initiator of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin, referring to Talbot, would formulate the idea as follows: “It is important not so much to win at these Olympics as to participate.”

As for the Italian, his tragedy shocked the whole world, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII, who ordered a special cup for the athlete.

Motivation and proof of professionalism

A diploma, a medal or a cup for an athlete is an incentive, emotions and memories, says an experienced paragliding pilot with many years of experience, instructor and co-founder of the international paragliding school Fly to sky Vladimir Krotov:

“Victory and how hard it was achieved – a series of hard training – are forgotten over time. And during the period of the “black streak”, which happens to any person, you look at the symbol of your success and understand – you could then, you can now.”

However, our interlocutor adds, the award also has a practical meaning, since it can act as a confirmation of the level of an athlete in the eyes of others. This is important if the athlete intends to join an association or receive an employment contract.

Psychological support and a sign of growth above oneself

Oksana Bergman, chairman of the NGO Swimming Club BUNI Team, performs two roles at once – an athlete and an organizer of competitions (in open water swimming). From her point of view, the award helps to realize their achievements:

“Advice from a psychologist that helped me: if you want to feel like a winner, ride the subway or tram with a finisher’s medal. Don’t take out your phone, don’t hide in the virtual world, but see how people around you will react to you, and you to them.

Trophies, the speaker says, are especially important in amateur sports, where everyone fights first of all with himself – you “yesterday” with you “current”. In this case, a certificate, medal or cup will be proof of personal qualitative changes. And it will also help to achieve mass participation in competitions. To do this, according to Oksana, the reward system should include different age categories. Perhaps the children who need the most encouragement are:

“If their efforts are recognized on a par with the efforts of adult athletes and given the opportunity to stand on the podium, they immediately respond and become the best ambassadors of a start or a whole sport.”

Good mood

Regularly participates in amateur competitions and the organizer of the longest ultra-triathlon in Russia (28 kilometers – swimming, 500 kilometers – cycling, 100 kilometers – running) BalticMan Maria Paisina. According to her, finishers who for some reason do not receive awards experience tremendous disappointment: “Without joyful smiles, dozens of photos and hundreds of publications on social networks, they shrug and go home, grumbling at the organizers who “ruined the holiday” (even if it went great).

In this sense, photo and video content in the modern world is a necessary thing. Trying a medal on the tooth, kissing the cup, pouring champagne on it are priceless moments worth capturing.

Petersburg is proud of its heroes

It is doubly pleasant when your successes in the sports field are also celebrated at the state and city levels. By the way, in the Northern capital there are awards established by the local government. For example, in 2021, 10 athletes and 9 coaches who have made a significant contribution to the development of physical culture and sports were awarded badges of honor “The Best in St. Petersburg Sports”. Also, every year the city directly honors industry professionals who promote the ideals and values ​​of an active lifestyle: in 2021, 38 Petersburgers were awarded the badge “For Merit in the Development of Physical Culture and Sports in St. Petersburg”.

As for the medals, there were as many as 3,180 medals of various denominations won in international and all-Russian competitions in the city’s piggy bank for the same 2021. This, of course, is not the limit. Petersburg has something to strive for. Including in the name of future victories, more and more sports infrastructure appears. Thus, the construction of the SKA Arena multifunctional complex is coming to an end in the Moskovsky District. The object is unique. Firstly, it will become a new home for HC SKA and will accommodate 21.5 thousand hockey fans. Secondly, it will host competitions in more than 20 sports. Thirdly, the concept provides for children’s sections and a large park with different zones. In a word, there will be a place to roam, and the stadium will certainly witness many award ceremonies.