“True Height,” we meet Michael Stone, a young man whose physical limitations are dwarfed by his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. Michael, born blind, faces the world with a quiet resilience, his dreams and aspirations undeterred by his lack of sight.
True Height Summary
This story talks about the feelings of an athlete as he pursues his dream. Read about a nerue- uiracking day in Michael Stone’s life as he prepares to take the ultimate test of his sports career. It is an awe-inspiring achievement that will leave you breathless.
Michael Stone was a blind man who had a dream of flying. He wanted to become a pole vaulter to fulfill his dream. Pole vaulting is truly the glamorous event of any track and field competition. The sportsman has to combine the grace of a gymnast with the strength of bodybuilder. Pole vaulting has the element of flying. The thought of flying as high as a two-storeyed building is a mere fantasy to anyone watching such an event.
Michael had drawn inspiration from his mother. She used to tell him numerous stories about flying as he was growing up. She used to describe the landscapes from a bird’s eye view. They were very fascinating for the young Michael. Her excitement and passion for details made Michael’s dreams full of colour and beauty. He had this recurring dream of flying over the beautiful landscapes.
He could feel the rocks and chunks of dirt at his feet while he was running down a country road. As he raced down the golden-lined wheat fields, he would always outrun the locomotives passing by. He would begin soaring like an eagle. She also advised him to be a relaxed and ‘free dreaming boy’. She used to tell him to take deep breaths when he felt tense or scared.
Bert Stone, his father was not a dreamer. He was a hard-core realist. He believed in hard work and sweat. His motto was, ‘If you want something, work for it’. Michael did a very systematic practice in weightlifting and running. The programme was carefully monitored by his father who was also his coach. Michael showed a lot of dedication, determination and discipline.
Besides being an honest student he used to help his parents in farm tasks. He always strove hard with obsession and passion for perfection.
Michael cleared the bar at 17 feet 2 inches and 17 feet and 4 inches in his first two trial jumps. He wanted to win the first place. So in the final jump he cleared 17 feet 6 inches. He not only won the National Junior Olympics but also set the new National and International Olympic record.
He was delighted at a smile on his mother’s face. His father, Bert Stone could not control his emotions and hugged his wife and cried. He shed the tears of pride. The people hugged him and congratulated him heartily on the greatest accomplishment of his life. It was not because he had just increased his personal best by 9 1/2 inches. It was because he was blind.
Conclusion:
Michael’s triumph at the Junior Olympics stands as a testament to his unwavering spirit and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that true height lies not in the absence of limitations, but in the courage to overcome them. Michael’s journey is a beacon of light, illuminating the path for others who dare to dream beyond their perceived boundaries. As he soars to new heights, Michael’s legacy inspires us all to reach for the stars, embracing the true height of our humanity.