Rushing In The Midst

RUSHING IN THE MIDST of competition can lead to disappointing results. In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, a quick clock forced Sergei Bubka into a poor pole vault performance.

The 28-year-old Ukrainian opted to forego his initial attempt until the crossbar registered 18-feet-8.25-inches. American Tim Bright insisted officials equally enforce the Olympic rule permitting only two minutes of prep time once a vaulter is cleared to jump. Bubka, accustomed to more time, appeared agitated as he readied for his attempt.

Sensing his time expiring, the four-time world champion sailed under the bar. The 30-time world-record setter cleared the bar safely in his second attempt, but Bubka’s leg dislodged the crossbar on the way down.

Only one attempt away from elimination, Sergei passed to gain more time and waited to vault until the bar stood at 18-10.25. With crosswinds swirling, Bubka decided on a softer pole. However, the strong winds subsided. Awkward in his final attempt, the 1988 Olympic gold medalist struck the bar with his shins.

Without Bubka as a factor, his Russian teammates Maxim Tarassov and Igor Trandenkow tied for the best vault at 19-0.25. Tarassov claimed the gold with fewer misses. Local favorite Javier Garcia Chico captured the bronze at 18-10.25.

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POINT Whether the track-and-field officials rushed him or whether Sergei Bubka hurried himself, the world-record holder lost. Rushing forced the defending Olympic champion and pre-event favorite out of contention.

Sometimes we rush into poor decisions. Satan makes wrong choices look very attractive, and we move too quickly. But God urges us to take time to think and pray before we act. We must move first with our brain and then with our feet. That way we avoid wrong choices and follow Christ’s way.

GOAL! How much time does a person need to choose between right and wrong? It takes time to weigh the options, pray, and follow God’s will. Ask God to keep you from rushing into poor choices.