True winner - Moral Short Story

Once upon a time, there was a young athletic boy hungry for success for whom winning is everything, and success was measured by winning. One day, the boy was preparing himself for a running competition in his small village, himself and two other young boys to compete. A large crowd had gathered to witness the sporting spectacle and a wise old man, upon hearing of the little boy had travelled far to bear witness also. The race commenced, looking like a level heat at the finishing line, but sure enough, the boy dug deep and called on his determination, strength, and power, he took the winning line and was first. The crowd was ecstatic and cheered the boy. The wise man remained calm, expressing no sentiment. A second race was called and two new young, fit challengers came forward, to run with the little boy. The race was started and sure enough, the little boy came through and finished first once again. The crowd was ecstatic and cheered the boy. The wise man remained calm, again expressing no sentiment. The little boy however felt proud and important. “Another race another race” pleaded the little boy. The wise old man stepped forward and presented the little boy with two new challengers an elderly frail lady and a blind man.

"What is this?", quizzed the little boy. "This is no race" he exclaimed. "Race!" said the wise man. The race was started and the boy was the only finisher, the other two challengers left standing at the starting line. The boy was ecstatic again but the crowd was silent showing no sentiment. "Why people are not joining in my success?" he asked the old man. "Race again", replied the wise man. "This time, finish together, all three of you finish together" continued the wise man. The little boy stood in the middle of the blind man and the frail old lady and then took the two challengers by the hand. The race began and the little boy slowly walked to the finishing line. The crowd cheered and the wise man smiled generously nodding his head. The little boy felt proud and asked the wise man "Who are the crowd cheering for among us three?". The man replied softly "For this race, you have won much more than in any race you have ever run before and the crowd is not cheering for any winner".

Moral- In life what are you chasing? Is winning the only measure for success in your life? Who are you competing with? If you keep going against people and just think of winning, the crowd will soon stop cheering your success. If you look back in life, you need to see who was running with you? Who was there with you in hard times and good times? Sometimes winning is not important but how you did it matters.