“I still throw with this glove. I still have memories of her. It was 16 years ago that she won in Sydney and I’m very happy that I continued this tradition.”
That was what Anita Wlodarczyk said after she threw the woman’s hammer world record while wearing her friend’s hammer glove. Her friend, Kamila Skolimowska, was a fellow Polish Olympic hammer thrower like Anita, and died in 2009 due to a pulmonary embolism. Anita Wlodarczyk is a 30 year old track and field Olympic athlete in hammer throw. She is from Poland, a country in Europe, and is the first woman ever to throw over 80 meters. She holds the woman’s world record for hammer (82.98 meters), and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She is also a successful learner.
Anita Wlodarczyk is industrious. She works so hard to achieve her goals in hammer, and trains to push her abilities to be a better athlete. She focuses on hammer, putting her time and effort into challenging herself, and making herself better. She perseveres through difficult situations. She gets advice and help when she needs it.
She is enthusiastic. She keeps a positive attitude with herself, her coach, and her competitors at track meets. She is excited when she gets a good throw, and is excited to work towards a good throw. She is confident and takes on new challenges. Anita loves hammer, and puts a good effort into doing her best.
Lastly, she is also strategic. She plans to go out and train, and informs the people she needs to coach her, so she can have support and advice. Anita is organized, and knows what she needs to do or work on, while still taking on new challenges. She listens to directions and follows instructions, and knows what’s good for her so she can make good decisions to help her throwing.
Overall, Anita Wlodarczyk has all of the successful learner trait qualities, in some way or another, and we can follow her example in our everyday lives. Trying your best, not just in sports, but at your house, your school or work, and in your community, you can put your best effort in everything you do. Being positive and confident in yourself makes a difference in your attitude, and rubs off on others too. Having a plan, not being afraid to ask for help, and challenging yourself can all help you become a better person and learner.
Hey Gabi, it’s Sarah.
I really like your opening quote! It’s a little confusing until you read the following sentence, and once you read the next sentence, its like; :”OHHHHH! Now I get it.” I think it’s really cool that, for your person, you used a famous track and field hammer throw person. I used a fictional character! Also, even though I’ve never heard of your person until now and still can’t say their last name because it sounds like a sneeze, another trait would be risk-taking. It takes a lot of courage to be a sports star! Mostly ’cause everybody’s all up in yo HOOD when you’re famous. You practically have no private life! Also, I probably wouldn’t throw a hammer because isn’t it heavy? And dangerous to your poor, poor arm muscles? Anyway, love the post! Have a great day!
~Sarah
Hey Sarah!
Thanks for your comment!
I was a bit confused as well when I discovered the quote Anita said. At first it sounds like she’s talking about the glove. Well, she kind of is, but once you keep on reading it makes more sense. When I was writing the post, I eventually memorized how to spell her last name. European names are always really weird to spell and pronounce, but they probably think the same way about our names!
I agree, risk-taking would definitely be another trait. Especially for the officials, the people in the field who mark the spot where the hammer landed, and then help measure it. You could get hit in the head or foot with a hammer if you’re not watching, and trust me, with the weight of the hammer people throw, you probably die if you got smashed in the head. But other than that, it’s perfectly safe!:)
It does take a while until you get used to throwing hammer. It’s really fun, too! Throwing strengthens your arms!
Happy blogging!
Gabi