What does an ultramarathon record in 1983 have to do with taking chances and trusting your abilities? Cliff Young.
The inspiring story of Cliff Young, a 61-year-old Australian potato farmer, showcases the incredible power of perseverance, consistency, and training. Cliff Young’s remarkable journey took place in 1983 during the inaugural Sydney to Melbourne Ultra Marathon, one of the world’s most grueling endurance races spanning a distance of 875 kilometers (544 miles).
Who was Cliff Young?
Cliff Young was an unassuming potato farmer from Beech Forest, Victoria, who had spent most of his life working on his family’s farm. He had no professional athletic background, but his sheer determination and unwavering spirit drove him to participate in the race against highly trained and much younger athletes. What made Cliff’s approach unique was his unwavering commitment to consistency and his unconventional running style.
His Unwavering Commitment to Consistency
While most participants in the Sydney to Melbourne Ultra Marathon would run for 18 hours straight and then sleep for six hours, Cliff had a different strategy. He decided to run continuously without sleep, reasoning that if he stopped to rest, his muscles would stiffen, and he might not be able to continue.
On the day of the race, Cliff stood out amongst the crowd of elite athletes with his unconventional attire, wearing work boots and overalls instead of professional running gear. Many people dismissed him as an eccentric farmer with no chance of success.
As the race began, the younger and faster runners surged ahead, leaving Cliff far behind. However, as the race progressed, something remarkable happened. Cliff’s consistency and persistence started to pay off. While other competitors took breaks and slept, Cliff continued to shuffle forward, maintaining a slow but steady pace.
As the days went by, Cliff started gaining ground on the leaders. His methodical and relentless approach propelled him forward. News of his unconventional running style and his refusal to give up spread, capturing the imagination of the nation. People began to rally behind the unlikely underdog, and his story quickly became a symbol of perseverance and determination.
In the final stages of the race, Cliff surpassed his competitors one by one, overtaking the lead runner just a few kilometers from the finish line. To the amazement of everyone watching, Cliff Young crossed the finish line in first place, breaking the previous record by more than two days. He completed the race in a staggering time of five days, 15 hours, and four minutes.
His Unconventional Running Style
Cliff developed a distinctive method of running that differed from the traditional long strides of experienced runners. Instead of taking long strides, Cliff adopted a shuffling technique. He would keep his feet low to the ground, taking short, rapid steps. This shuffle allowed him to maintain a consistent pace over long distances without tiring his muscles as much as a conventional running style would.
Cliff’s shuffle had a distinct “hunched” posture, with his upper body leaning forward slightly. His arms would swing loosely at his sides, aiding in his forward momentum. While the shuffle may have appeared unconventional compared to the smoother strides of other runners, it allowed Cliff to conserve energy and maintain his slow and steady pace for extended periods.
The Cliff Young shuffle became iconic during the Sydney to Melbourne Ultra Marathon because it reflected his determination and his ability to persevere despite his age and lack of formal training. It became a symbol of his unyielding spirit and his refusal to give up, ultimately contributing to his incredible victory in the race.
The unique and unconventional nature of the Cliff Young shuffle further cemented his status as an underdog and endeared him to the public. Even though his running style may not have been technically flawless, it showcased the power of consistency, perseverance, and finding one’s own path to success.
Cliff’s incredible achievement not only defied all expectations but also demonstrated the power of perseverance and consistency. His determination to keep moving forward, regardless of age or physical limitations, serves as an inspiration to people around the world. Cliff’s story reminds us that success is not always reserved for the fastest or the strongest but for those who refuse to give up and stay committed to their goals.
Following his victory, Cliff Young continued to participate in ultra-marathons and became a beloved figure in the Australian sports community. His remarkable story remains an enduring testament to the human spirit and the extraordinary feats that can be accomplished through perseverance, consistency, and unwavering dedication.
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