Wellness Corner 53: A Lesson from a Hungarian Pistol Shooter

Hey Falcons,

Here’s a story I recently discovered that can prove rewarding if you’re finding the school year is getting you down.

It’s about Karoly Takacs, a Hungarian man who lived in the early 20th century. Takacs was on the Hungarian Olympic pistol shooting team in 1938 when, while serving as a sergeant in the army, a defective grenade exploded in his right hand (his pistol hand) and shattered it completely. 

He was distraught. He had lost the part of him that made him who he was. Or had he? 

After spending a month in the hospital, Takacs secretly taught himself to shoot with his left hand. In 1948, after WWII, Takacs qualified for the Hungarian Olympic team in the rapid-fire pistol event. At the event, he told his opponent Valiente, a world champion, "I’m here to learn,” just before he beat his opponent’s record and scored the gold medal. Valiente turned to Takacs and said, “You have learned enough.” Takacs went on to defend his gold at the same competition AGAIN!

What can we, as Falcons who are “here to learn,” gain from his story? 

• First, to take the time to recover from our setbacks, but to refrain from excessive self-pity. 

• Second, to channel our emotions using our willpower to positive ends.

• Third, that every dog has its day. Even if you’re feeling downtrodden, know that brighter moments are on the horizon.

Hope you enjoyed this week’s Wellness Corner! 

Stay well,

Eshaan