When It Comes To Competing,

WHEN IT COMES TO COMPETING, you’d think that the athlete with most experience would have the edge—especially if the sport involves racing at speeds over 65 mph on a high-performance snowmobile. But at the 2002 Winter X Games, T. J. Gulla proved that’s not always the case.

Racing in the X Games hillcross competition for the first time, Gulla brought home the gold. The hillcross event is a snowmobile race that takes a mere 45 seconds to complete. Not only is this race fast, it’s all uphill!

While Gulla was certainly no hillcross pro, he wasn’t a stranger to snowmobiling. He had raced in the snocross event many times. But after finishing 23rd in that event at the X Games, he hoped to redeem himself in hillcross.

With only one race under his belt, Gulla faced hillcross legend Carl Kuster—who was going for his third-straight X Games championship in the event. Up until the finals, Kuster had won every hillcross race he’d entered and was anxiously awaiting another victory. This time it was for the prestigious X Games gold medal.

As the green flag went up, Gulla was the first off the starting line. It didn’t take long for him to realize that a medal was in his grasp, and he grinded his way up the mountain. Gulla’s quick start earned him a huge upset and an unexpected gold.

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POINT In the hillcross competition, experience is important, but a quick jump off the starting blocks can make a big difference. T. J. Gulla timed his start perfectly and won a highly sought-after X Games gold medal.

Just like getting a good start can bring victory in a race, getting a good start can also bring victory in a day. Beginning the day by reading the Bible and praying can help you accomplish victories you never thought possible!

GOAL! Before you begin your day at school or jump into the weekend, get a good start by spending some time with God. Do you have challenges in your day? List a few of them: