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Amy Donaldson: Despite Lance Armstrong's lies and the Manti Te'o situation, I believe we need inspiring stories more than ever

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By Amy Donaldson, Deseret News

Published: Sunday, Jan. 20 2013 7:45 p.m. MST

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Summary

Inspiring sports stories don't just make us feel good — they motivate us to be more determined, to be stronger and to be better versions of ourselves. They need to continue to be told, even if we in the media need to change how we tell them.

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  • Te'o to be interviewed by Katie Couric

My cousin alerted me to a story about two little boys, Connor Green and Cayden Long, who compete in triathlons together as Team Long Brothers. No big deal, except Long, 6, has cerebral palsy and has to be pushed, pulled and carried throughout each race by Green, his brother, who is 9.

LeBron James was at an awards ceremony where Sports Illustrated named the duo Sports Kids of the Year, and James said he planned to show the video version of their story to his two young sons so they'd know how they should take care of each other.

He said he wouldn't have to lecture any more — just tell the story.

Life is long and sometimes it's pretty brutal. It's important to find inspiration in our own lives.

Athletes have a platform given to them simply because they are excellent in one area, and our admiration makes that platform more powerful.

I'm the first to admit our affection for athletes is disproportionate for what they do, and I'll concede the media is partly responsible for that. But that doesn't make these kinds of stories any less compelling or important. In fact, it may make them more critical.

Athletics teach us lessons when we're not even open to learning. We share those stories, and again, the lessons come in a way that makes them much more powerful — and palatable — than if you had simply read the definitions of hard work, team work and commitment.

If I've gained any answers this week, it's simply that we need to continue embracing these stories, even as we (the media) become more diligent about verifying them, and as we (the fans) keep them in perspective as we consume them.

Twitter: adonsports

Email: adonaldson@desnews.com

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  • Te'o to be interviewed by Katie Couric

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Featured Comments

See all 7 comments »
higv
Dietrich, ID

It is devastating to lose a loved one. That said books like especially for mormons can be especailly morbid. Someone dying to get poing across. The guy that sacrifices son for strangers on train, Bill saving siblings from fire and dying, someone More..

  • 7:06 a.m. Jan. 21, 2013
  • Top comment
Say No to BO
Mapleton, UT

Singers, actors, politicians and athletes generally have huge egos that require attention.
It behooves reporters to verify any backstories they are supplied. Ink-hungry celebrities have been known to embellish their biographies for personal More..

  • 10:47 a.m. Jan. 21, 2013
  • Top comment
EJM
Herriman, UT

Here is someone who continued telling his "narrative" even after (supposedly) finding out that his "girlfriend" was fake. Why? Because he is, like so many in the world today, starved for attention. I have gotten to the point where if More..

  • 4:39 p.m. Jan. 21, 2013
  • Top comment
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About the Author
Amy Donaldson

Amy Donaldson

Amy Donaldson covers high school sports, winter and Olympic sports, as well as outdoor and recreation. She contributes to the Deseret News' Reasons to Run blog, as well as a twice-a-month fitness column. She also writes a more ..

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