A Champion's Secret

A champion competes
to be the first or the best.
He trains to win,
a quest with little rest.

The champion wins first place,
coming in ahead of the rest.
But the athlete really won himself
nothing more, nothing less.

If he cheated to win,
his prize is a cheat.
If he trampled on others,
he is the one he beat.

A champion cannot be measured
by points or a clock.
His character inside is what matters,
a heart of integrity or a rock.

Dale Raymond (c) 1-24-2013