Zatopek: the Happiest of Runners

Zatopek leads the pack 

Zatopek was a Czech runner who was strangely happy whenever he ran, much like the Tarahumara. Although he didn't have the best style or strategy when he ran, he was still very fast and won numerous races. This elatedness every time he ran was the reason he was such a good runner; while most runners ran for short term, immediate effects, Zatopek ran for the sheer joy of running, and ran during most of his free time. When he came to represent the Czech team as a runner in the Helsinki Olympics, sports trainers and runners alike were intrigued by this unique characteristic. Never before had they seen such enthusiasm in a runner. He didn't do too shabbily in his events, either, bringing home three gold medals for the Czech team.

I was quite intrigued by Zatopek and his infectious good nature and amicability. I definitely agree with Dr. Joe Vigil's thesis on running- everything is far too focused on material wealth in recent times. I feel that this idea can also be applied to other parts of society, from music and literature to food. People care more about efficiency and self-gain than they do about the expression of ideas. Music isn't about creativity and talent, it's about entertaining the listener with simple, catchy tunes and meaningless lyrics. People don't feel that they have enough time to sit down and read a good novel, so instead they try to find short stories. They refuse to sit and wait and talk like civilized people, and instead must have their food immediately; in short, our society is far too shallow. Like Zatopek, we should focus on pursuing our passions rather than searching endlessly for material wealth, and we may just have a more meaningful and enjoyable life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c4Z8cbcIiA