Luck or Preparation?

Watching Tamirat Tola cross the finish line to claim the only gold for Ethiopia in the men’s marathon at the Olympics was more than just witnessing a moment of athletic triumph; it was a profound lesson in the power of preparation.

Here’s what makes Tola’s victory even more remarkable: just two weeks before his Olympic win, he wasn’t even slated to compete. He was called upon as a replacement for his injured teammate, Sisay Lemma. Now, think about that: how many of us would have been thrown off by such a sudden shift? But not Tola. He didn’t just step into the race; he embraced it with a quiet confidence that only comes from one place, preparation.

It’s easy to look at Tola’s victory and think, “Wow, what luck!” But luck had very little to do with it. The real story here is about the years of relentless preparation that positioned him to seize this unexpected opportunity. It’s about the countless hours of training, the early mornings, the sacrifices, and the unwavering commitment to excellence, even when there was no guarantee that his moment would come.

This is a powerful reminder that while luck may open a door, it’s preparation that allows us to walk - no, run through it. Tola’s success wasn’t just about being in the right place at the right time; it was about being ready when the moment arrived. That’s what made all the difference.

So, what does this mean for us? In business, in our careers, and in our personal lives, we are often presented with unexpected opportunities. The real question isn’t whether these opportunities will come-they will. The question is whether we’ll be ready when they do. Will we have done the necessary preparation? Will we have honed our skills, sharpened our minds, and built the resilience needed to step into our moment of truth with confidence?

Success is built on a foundation of preparation. It’s not just about doing the work; it’s about doing the right work consistently, aligning your actions with your goals, and staying ready, even when the future is uncertain. Tola’s story is a reminder that when opportunity knocks, it’s not luck that answers the door-it’s preparation. 

So, as you reflect on your own journey, ask yourself: Are you preparing for the opportunities you seek? Are you ready to seize your moment when it comes? Because in the end, the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t often comes down to one simple thing: who was most prepared.