Inspire 21 Inspiring Words for the 21st Century

By Darren Edwards

In old times, fable retells the story of the young athletic boy hungry for success, for whom winning was everything and success was measured by such a result.

One day, the boy was preparing himself for a running competition in his small native village, himself and two other young boys to compete. A large crowd had congregated to witness the sporting spectacle and a wise old man, upon hearing of the little boy, had travelled far to bear witness also.

By Rick Weinberg -- Special to ESPN.com -- See Video below!

He could barely walk. Actually, he could barely stand without his leg wobbling and shaking. When no one was looking, back when he was in the batting cage outside the Los Angeles Dodgers' locker room during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series against the Oakland A's, he actually used a bat a few times as a walking cane, to balance himself.

Hobbled captain inspires club to '70 title.

By Bruce Lowitt

Hollywood could not have written a better ending: the old warrior coming to the aid of his comrades in arms for one final climactic battle.

Willis Reed played the role to perfection.

It was May 8, 1970, and the New York Knicks were staring defeat in the face -- Wilt Chamberlain's face -- in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Reed, the Knicks center, their captain, their rock, appeared too hurt to play.