Some Barriers

SOME BARRIERS seem almost insurmountable in athletics, such as a 9,000-point score in the decathlon. But in 1999, Tomas Dvorak nearly exceeded that mark.

Through five events, the 27-year-old Czech stood 75 points behind Dan O’Brien’s 1992 record pace of 8,891 points. Establishing personal bests in the 100 meters, long jump, and shot put gave Dvorak an opportunity for a strong closing.

The following day, the track star won the 110-meter hurdles and threw the discus 158-feet-6-inches. But Dvorak struggled in the pole vault, passing at 16-feet-2¾-inches due to injury. Still trailing O’Brien’s mark by 76 points, the 1996 Olympic bronze medalist opted to save his strength.

The strategy proved successful. Dvorak heaved the javelin 237-3, moving 72 points ahead of O’Brien’s pace. Needing 4:53.87 in the 1,500 meters to tie the world record and 4:36.34 to break 9,000, Dvorak appeared to be a lock early in the race. But then the decathlete erred. Slowing down to avoid burnout, Dvorak couldn’t shave off enough time in his final lap and finished at 4:37.20, setting a new world mark of 8,944 points.

Although Tomas Dvorak missed the magical 9,000, his fellow countryman Roman Sebrle shattered the record only two years later with 9,026 points. And the decathlon barrier moved upward.

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POINT Competing in all ten decathlon events requires an exceptional diversity of skills. The 100 meters, triple jump, pole vault, discus, 400 meters, long jump, shot put, 110-meter hurdles, high jump, and 1,500-meter run could cause havoc for any athlete. Scoring in each event is based on a table that awards points for levels of proficiency. For example, a 10.0 in the 100 meters earns 1,037 points, while a 12.0 rates 605. Breaking 9,000 means earning an average of 900 points in each event.

In life, we too can overcome obstacles. We graduate from high school, and some of us go on to college. We may study to become a teacher or we may work hard to make the school track team.

The prophet Jeremiah says that God made some permanent barriers. But the heavenly Father himself knows no limits.

GOAL! Think of barriers in your life. Write some down: