This kind of story gets to my heart. Let me add a couple. I taught at a Jr. High last Friday. I found out they were having a track meet. Liking track a lot I went. One of our girls Callie, won the 1600, 800, 400 and anchored the winning 4x400. That was an inspiration to see. However during the 1600 there was a girl who was "stocky" and ran in last place. As this girl from (another school) rounded the last curve she broke into a sprint and brought it in. That hit me as hard as Callie's outstanding day.
A few years ago I was working to get my 3rd graders to get their Presidential Physical Fitness awards. I had run with them in the mornings to get then ready. The day for the mile came and I had 2 boys run 6:48 and 6:49! I don't remember how many of my kids came in with qualifying times but it was quite a few. We were busy cheering them on and feeling great about it when we noticed one of our girls having a real struggle. We ran over to her. I felt that I'd put too much pressure on her. Sure enough she was crying. I told her she didn't have to do this that she could quit. She never said anything but kept walking. Pretty soon she broke into a trot and finished her mile. She didn't make the Presidential but she put herself in my heart forever.
Thanks for this thread.