NFL: One Super Bowl Winner, 31 Losers
MLB: One Major League Champion, 29 Losers
NHL: One Stanley Cup Winner, 31 Losers
Masters: One Champion, 89 Losers
Wimbledon: One Slam Winner, 127 Losers
Yes, one team or athlete lifts the trophy—but are they truly the only winners? I’d argue that “winning” is far more nuanced: it's subjective, personal, and often defined by something deeper than the final score.
So, what really defines winning? It clearly varies from person to person. For some, it’s the scoreboard statistics or tallys. For others it's simply participating, the comeback, the courage found, the growth initiated, or even the decision to step away.
After experiencing the “twisties” in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics—Simone Biles, arguably the greatest gymnast of all time—made the brave decision to sit out multiple events and prioritize her physical and mental health. Days later, she returned to win a bronze medal on the beam. For someone with seven gold medals, that bronze is likely her greatest triumph. Why? Because it embodied determination in the face of adversity, true courage, leadership, vulnerability, and a redefinition of success.
How about Rachel Hyland, the St. Lawrence University runner who, meters from the finish line in the Division III 5,000 meter race, stopped to help fellow competitor Maddy Adams who collapsed in front of her. She carried her to the finish line. She didn’t win the race, but won the hearts of many.
Maybe your “win” is holding the trophy, but what if your victory was a new personal best, growth under pressure, or learning something about your game that will help in future competitions? This shift in perspective is, in fact, a way to recognize that something meaningful and helpful can be taken from each performance. An improvement from your last performance, overcoming a fear, gaining experience, a personal record, simply finishing, or displaying strong sportsmanship— I would contend that these are all victories too.
You don’t need to win in the literal sense to be successful—but you do need a clear understanding of what success looks like to you.” Winning isn’t just a result. Sometimes it’s a decision, a moment, or a mindset.
The question is: How do you define it?