The Great Competitor

Beyond the winning and the goal, beyond the

              glory and the flame,

         She feels the flame within her soul, born of the

              spirit of the game.

         And where the barriers may wait, built up by the

              opposing gods,

         She finds a thrill in bucking fate and riding down

              the endless odds.

         Where others wither in the fire or fall below some

              raw mishap,  

         Where others lag behind or tire and break

              beneath the handicap,

          She finds a new and deeper thrill to take her on

              the uphill spin,

          Because the test is greater still, and something she

              can revel in.

                                    Grantland Rice