PerforMind [Performance + Mindset] Defying The Odds Racing The Commonwealth Games With A Broken Arm

COMMONWEALTH GAMES

In the early days of triathlon, it was a relatively new sport with few participants, and standards weren’t firmly set. It was easier then to excel compared to today, where professionals have trained their entire lives. In this context, I had the opportunity to compete at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. This story, however, isn’t about my performance, but the challenges of getting there.

Choose your narrative: Turn-Up

Five weeks before the Games, I broke my arm. Everyone said I couldn’t compete, but I disagreed. I told the doctor, "I’m not asking if I can do the triathlon, just if I can get on the plane." I figured I’d work out the rest.

Set a precedent.

In Australia, I signed up for a race in Brisbane, thinking if I could race there, I could argue my case for Melbourne. Even with a broken arm, I could still run, ride my bike, and eventually swim—once I got a Kevlar cast. Though slow, I could still manage.

Experiment, On step at a time

Unfortunately, the Brisbane race was canceled due to storms. When we arrived in Melbourne, I went to the polyclinic to see what could be done. The medical team experimented with materials to prevent me from injuring others during the swim or losing control on the bike. The solution? Carpet tape.

Make the others the heroes

After being cleared by doctors, referees, and my team, I was allowed to compete. My team manager navigated the politics and media brilliantly. It wasn’t just about me—it was about managing relationships and getting everyone invested in this crazy idea.

Its not always about winning

In the end, I finished 19th. At 42, with my arm wrapped in carpet tape, that was as good as it was going to get. Under the circumstances, it was an epic story and the best result I could hope for.

SIDE-STORY LONDON ELITE

Do exactly what it says on the tin

To qualify for the Commonwealth Games, I competed in several races across Europe, including a significant final race at the London Elite Triathlon. This was before I broke my arm. I set my qualifying time in two races, including London, which secured my place on the team.

Don’t’ give up

Interestingly, a rival had not met the qualifying criteria. After I beat them in London, they gave up and didn’t pursue it further. Had they met the criteria and continued, they would have been the reserve and taken my place after I broke my arm. But because they didn’t, it was either me or no one. Despite the injury, I managed to go to the Commonwealth Games—and that’s a whole other story.

REFLECTIONS

There are three key phases that sum up this experience for me, each captured by a memorable quote from remarkable people.

The first is from Woody Allen: "80% of life is just showing up." Just show up. Be present. Whether it’s turning up for every swim session as a freshman, every run, every bike ride, or simply showing up when needed—being there is the most critical step you can take. Just show up, consistently.

The second is the well-known tagline from the Ronseal wood preservative advertisement: "It does exactly what it says on the tin." In life, we often overcomplicate or overthink things. But when you follow through on the basics—stick to your exercise routine, adhere to your diet, follow the plan—it works. It’s simple but effective. Human knowledge is vast, but the power lies in doing exactly what’s needed, nothing more.

The third comes from the penultimate line of Rudyard Kipling’s poem If: "If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it." This speaks to maximizing the time we all have. We each get 24 hours in a day, 365 days in a year. How we manage that time defines us. If you save time by working from home, what will you do with those extra hours? How much time do you spend on distractions like social media or TV? Could that time be better used?

It's about intentional time management. Do you have a schedule that outlines your week from morning to night? It doesn’t have to be all work—schedule time for rest, recovery, mindfulness, play, or hobbies. But you are the one in control. Be the pilot of your ship, the conductor of your orchestra. Don’t let others dictate your time. Use it wisely, fill every minute, and make sure it serves you and your goals.

KEY LESSONS

1. Turn up, no matter the odds: Woody Allen's quote "80% of life is just showing up" emphasizes the importance of being present, even in challenging situations. Despite a broken arm, showing up was the first and most crucial step.

2. Challenge the narrative: Rather than accepting limitations, Tim questioned the assumption that he couldn't compete. By focusing on what was possible (getting on the plane), he kept the door open to other opportunities.

3. Set a precedent: Competing in a smaller race in Brisbane, despite his injury, was an attempt to prove he could race in Melbourne. Taking one step at a time, Tim demonstrated his willingness to find solutions and adapt.

4. Experiment and adapt: Tim and his team experimented with unconventional solutions, like using carpet tape, to manage his injury during the race. Flexibility and creative problem-solving can make impossible situations manageable.

5. Leverage your team: Success wasn’t just about personal performance but also about how his team handled the media and politics. Making others part of your journey can create a stronger, more resilient effort.

6. Winning isn't everything: Finishing 19th with a broken arm wasn't about victory but overcoming the odds. Success can be measured by effort and resilience, not just the outcome.

7. Do exactly what it says on the tin: Following through on the basics, like sticking to training routines and diet, can lead to success without overcomplicating things. Consistency is key.

8. Don’t give up, even when others do: A rival who gave up before meeting the qualifying criteria missed the opportunity to be the reserve, leaving Tim with a chance to race despite his injury.

9. Maximize your time: Kipling’s quote from If underscores the importance of intentional time management. How you use every minute counts, whether it’s for work, rest, or personal projects. Take control of your time, and use it meaningfully.

Tim Rogers
Coach, Consultant, Change-Manager
[email protected]

MBA Management Consultant | Prince2 Project Manager, Agile Scrum Master | AMPG Change Practitioner | BeTheBusiness Mentor | ICF Trained Coach | Mediation Practitioner | 4 x GB Gold Medalist | First Aid for Mental Health | Certificate in Applied Therapeutic Skills




(c)opyright TimHJRogers