The Last Word
By Flynn MacGill-Brown | Posted: Tuesday June 3, 2025
There have been times in my life when I was told I wouldn't be able to do the things I love again, but that never held me back.
Persistence — continuing despite difficulty or doubt — is something we all need when facing challenges or opposition, and let’s be honest, everyone faces difficulties when striving to reach their goals.
Often, when obstacles come up, it feels easier to sit back and give up.
Staying comfortable sounds simpler. I’ve been there. I’ve had moments where giving up felt easier than pushing through.
For me, the most powerful examples come from two separate times in recent years. First, when I was 12, I found out I had a genetic condition that meant I had to have my leg surgically broken in various places and to drag around a metal frame for 6 months.
The second time I broke my other leg, I did it myself. Multiple doctors and physiotherapists told me I might never be able to competitively play sports again.
Recovering from both injuries, going through rehab were some of the hardest times of my life. There were days I genuinely wanted to quit. Days when progress felt completely out of reach, but even then, I pushed myself. Day after day, week after week, I made myself get up. Even when it was painful, even when I didn’t want to, I did because I knew that every little bit of effort would build toward something bigger. And it did.
After over two years of recovery, I came back; stronger, faster and I am proud to say I represented New Zealand at international diving events — not once, but twice — in the past year.
The only way I got there: Persistence and the courage to show up and try again every single day.
Here’s the truth: persistence isn't pretty. It isn’t easy, it can suck. It can hurt — a lot!
I know some of you might be going through your own battles right now.
They might be physical, mental, emotional — whatever they are, big or small — you need persistence to get through them.
My journey has taught me lessons I now carry into every part of life, not just sport. So, I want to encourage each of you, see the hard times as valuable,
as learning experiences. Even when something feels impossible — it is achievable if you keep fighting.
Just being at school gives us all opportunities to persist. Whether it’s in the classroom or in our social lives, we’re constantly challenged. Sometimes, it’s just the struggle to get up in the morning and show up. Other times, it’s reaching for that grade you really want. But whatever it is — do your best to push through.
What matters most isn’t perfection, it’s the effort, day after day.
Whether you hit the goal or not, the growth you gain from trying is what truly lasts.
In traditional OBs fashion, I’ll end with a quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill.
