If I ever lost to someone, then I respect that person that

Hear the words of Emily Compagno, who declared with clarity and humility: “If I ever lost to someone, then I respect that person that out-competed me.” These are not the words of pride unyielding, nor of bitterness in defeat, but the voice of one who understands the sacred nature of contest. For in every struggle there is more than victory and loss; there is the measure of character, the honor of effort, and the recognition of worth in another. To give respect in defeat is to show strength greater than triumph, for it means the soul is not broken by loss, but elevated by it.

The origin of this wisdom lies in the oldest traditions of competition. From the games of ancient Olympia to the duels of knights and the sparring of samurai, the true warrior was taught not only to fight with valor, but to bow in defeat. The Greeks crowned their victors with olive wreaths, but they honored the defeated as well, for both had dared to enter the arena. To be out-competed was no shame, but a recognition that the other had, on that day, shown greater strength or skill. Compagno’s words echo this ancient teaching: that defeat should never give birth to envy, but to reverence for the one who excelled.

Consider the tale of Achilles and Hector. When Hector fell beneath Achilles’ wrath, it was not cruelty that brought the tale to greatness, but the moment when Achilles, though enraged, came to respect the courage of the man he had slain. He returned Hector’s body for proper honor, recognizing the dignity of his adversary. Even among foes locked in mortal struggle, respect in loss was the mark of nobility. So too in every field of competition today, whether of sport, of intellect, or of life, to acknowledge the strength of the victor is to preserve one’s own honor.

Compagno’s declaration also reflects the wisdom that defeat itself is a teacher. To lose and yet respect the one who prevailed is to turn defeat into fuel for growth. The opponent becomes not an enemy, but a mirror—revealing where we must strengthen, where we must learn. The fool mocks or despises the victor; the wise bow in respect, for they know that one day, with humility and discipline, they too may rise higher. In this way, respect transforms rivalry into shared ascent.

History offers us noble examples. When Abraham Lincoln lost his early elections, he did not curse those who out-competed him. Instead, he respected the voice of the people and the strength of his rivals. From each loss, he learned, and from each defeat, he grew, until in time he rose to the highest office, carrying with him the humility forged in earlier failures. His respect for others in loss gave him the character to become a unifier in victory.

The lesson for us is clear: to lose is not disgrace, but an opportunity. What defines us is not whether we always triumph, but whether in loss we keep our dignity, our humility, and our respect. To sneer at the victor is to shrink; to honor them is to grow. When you respect the one who has out-competed you, you rise above mere outcome and step into the realm of true greatness.

And so, let your actions follow. In your struggles, whether on the field, in the workplace, or in the journey of life, do not fear defeat. If you are bested, bow your head in respect, and let your heart remain strong. Praise the victor, and let their strength awaken yours. For respect in loss is the seed of future triumph, and humility in defeat is the armor of the soul.

Thus remember the wisdom of Emily Compagno: “If I ever lost to someone, then I respect that person that out-competed me.” Carry this truth as both shield and torch, for it will guard your honor in the days of defeat and light your way in the days of victory.