Legacy

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 10 SEPTEMBER '25

Last week we had the unfortunate passing of my wife's uncle, Tom. Although he has had a slew of health issues over the last few years, and we all knew this was the eventual outcome, it was nonetheless a challenging day and week. He passed quickly while walking his daily route, on the trail, with his wife and dog with him.

What was remarkable, though not surprising, was the incredible legacy of love, adventure and humor Tom had left with his family, friends and athletic companions throughout his amazing life. As people heard the news, this became the general theme of conversation about Tom.

A natural athlete who competed in college, Tom eventually found his love of endurance sports. Journeys into the backcountry on foot, skis and bike filled decades of adventures that he shared with everyone, including his family. To hear the stories was both exhilarating, scary and exciting all rolled into one. I so wish I knew him back in those days! I know I would have learned an immense amount of technical wizardry, but even more would have soaked up his gentle, confident and fun attitude. Tom was special and unique. But not because of what he did, but rather because of who he was to all of those around him.

And this got me thinking of what I often ask new and young professional athletes, "How do you want to be remembered?" Often, before they can even answer, I make a few suggestions:

- Maybe as a great teammate and training partner?

- Maybe as someone people can count on when the going gets tough?

- Maybe as an athlete the shares the pure joy and all the emotions of doing hard things?

"In the end," I tell these young professionals, "It's not how many medals you win or how fast you become, but rather how you make others feel around you." When I think of Tom, I go directly there: he made all of us feel great whenever he was around. He's a great example for myself, and maybe for all of us in the endurance sports world.

How would we like to be remembered?