I got a call this morning, and it was from Nancy Kerrigan

The words of Michelle Kwan, “I got a call this morning, and it was from Nancy Kerrigan, wishing me luck. She wished me luck and sent me all her good wishes,” speak to us of a truth older than the games themselves: that the greatness of sport lies not only in victory and defeat, but in the bond of fellowship that transcends rivalry. Though the world sees the clash of athletes as struggle, within their hearts there may dwell respect, admiration, and the noble exchange of blessings. Such a moment, humble in its telling, is rich with meaning, for it reminds us that true honor is not found in triumph alone, but in how we treat those who walk beside us on the path of trial.

Consider the history of these two women. Nancy Kerrigan, who endured hardship, scandal, and the weight of the public eye, and Michelle Kwan, whose artistry and grace defined a generation of figure skating. Though of different times, their names are bound by the shared pursuit of beauty upon the ice. When Kerrigan reached forth across the veil of competition to offer her good wishes, it was more than a courtesy—it was the passing of a torch, the acknowledgement of kinship, the silent admission that both were part of a lineage greater than themselves. This was not merely one athlete speaking to another; it was the spirit of one era blessing the dawn of the next.

Such gestures echo through history. Recall the tale of Achilles and Priam in the Iliad. After years of merciless war, after the death of his own dearest friend, Achilles beheld Priam, king of Troy, who came to him in supplication for the body of Hector, his son. Though bound by enmity, Achilles was moved by compassion. He offered food, rest, and kindness to the grieving father. In that moment, the fury of battle gave way to shared humanity. Likewise, Kerrigan’s call to Kwan is a reminder that beyond rivalry, beyond ambition, there is the unshakable thread of human sympathy.

This truth must be cherished, for in the modern age, we often imagine greatness as isolation—the solitary champion, standing above all others, untouched. But Michelle Kwan’s words remind us that even at the highest level, greatness is supported by kindness, by gestures unseen by the roaring crowd. The phone call, quiet and personal, carried as much weight as a medal, for it fortified the heart with encouragement and dignity. In such unseen acts of fellowship lies the true spirit of human achievement.

The lesson for us is plain: in our own lives, let us not withhold our words of blessing from others. Whether they be friends, rivals, or strangers, a simple wish of good fortune may kindle a light within them at the very moment they need it most. Just as music strengthens sport, so does goodwill strengthen the heart. A kind word has power beyond measure—it costs little, but it may shape destinies. Who knows what courage arises in a soul simply because another soul whispered, “I believe in you”?

Practically, this calls us to action: send the message, make the call, offer encouragement even when it seems small. For in doing so, we build bridges where competition might sow division. We remind others that while victory fades and trophies gather dust, the memory of kindness endures. Encourage your co-worker before a challenge, bless a friend before a journey, uplift even an adversary, and you will participate in the same eternal current that flowed from Kerrigan to Kwan.

Thus, beloved listener, remember: the world will always celebrate the victor’s crown, but the soul remembers most the hand extended in goodwill. Michelle Kwan’s words reveal that greatness is not lonely—it is shared. So let us strive not only to excel, but to honor and uplift one another along the way. For when we do, we ensure that our victories are not hollow, but resound with the nobility of the human spirit. And in this way, we become not just champions of contests, but champions of one another.