“The fact of being an underdog changes people in ways that we often fail to appreciate. It opens doors and creates opportunities and enlightens and permits things that might otherwise have seemed unthinkable. -Malcolm Gladwell
Seabiscuit is mainly remembered as an incredible racehorse. However, the beginning of his career wasn’t great. His first few races weren’t that impressive, and people had doubts he would find success in racing.
He actually lost his first 17 races, before becoming a star with a sudden streak of against the odds Victories. He became one of the grandest athletes the sporting world has ever known.
Seabiscuit’s Greatness
- 1938 American Horse of the Year
- In 1958, Seabiscuit was voted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
- In six seasons (1935–40) won 33 of 89 races and a total of $437,730, a record for
American Thoroughbreds (broken 1942).
Seabiscuit inspired hope during a time when people were really struggling. He was considered lazy and dismissed as a disgrace to the racing industry. But Tom Smith, a horse trainer, saw something in his eyes. Smith looked beyond Seabiscuit’s lazy demeanor and staggered stroll. He sensed greatness in him. Later, Smith’s discovery, Jockey Red Pollard’s hard work, and entrepreneur Charles S. Howard’s support made Seabiscuit one of the most iconic thoroughbred champions of all time. He became a symbol of perseverance during the tough years of the Great Depression. A small horse who had been raced too much, too young with little to show for it, and had a bad attitude and a wariness toward humans. A grandson of Man O’ War, there had to be greatness in there somewhere – he just needed the right owner, trainer, and jockey.
He went from being a broken-down, angry loser, to a strong, friendly winner – all because of how he was treated and the people around him. It’s easy to relate to how he felt – many of us could flourish if we had a team that believed in us, encouraged, and built us up, instead of tearing us down.
Summary
- Seabiscuit became a cultural icon and offered hope to a generation of disadvantaged people: if he could overcome adversity and become a winner, so could they.
- Seabiscuit epitomized the rags-to-riches American dream for millions of impoverished citizens who wondered whether the dream was still possible. This story is one of hope and determination.
- Even though he wasn’t the typical thoroughbred, he simply needed the right people around him to bring out the champion in him and did they ever! Despite numerous injuries and setbacks, he was a great racing success story.
Reflection
- Is greatness something we are born with, or does it grow as we do?
- Have you ever been the underdog? The favorite? How did these roles differ to you? How did they affect your performance?
- Is there someone in your life that has helped you be the athlete you are today? Is there someone in your life that you see greatness in and can help cultivate that in them?
Moving Forward
| Consider: Write down the people who have believed in you and helped shape you into the athlete you are. | Implement: Text or write to those people and thank them for helping you. Next text or write to someone you see greatness in and tell them you believe in them. | Expand: Read Laura Hillenbrand’s book Seabiscuit: An American Legend or watch the movie adaptation of the same name. |
“… character reigns preeminent in determining potential.” -Laura Hillenbrand
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