The Lesson ‘True Height’ is the story of a blind boy, who at the age of seventeen clears the Pole vault bar that is set at 17 feet 6 inches and gets the first Place. The title of the story ‘True Height’ refers to the height of the boy’s personality and his determination to succeed in spite of his handicap.
The boy’s name is Michael Stone. He is the son of Bret Stone and Milfred Stone. Since childhood, Michael dreamed of flying: His mother read him many stories about flying. Her excitement and passion for detail made Michael’s dreams full of color and beauty.
His father Bert Stone, being a realist, believed in hard work and sweat. Michael’s father began a very careful and regimented weight lifting program. Michaells, father was his coach and trainer. Michael was a dedicated determined and disciplined student. Besides being an honor student, Michael helped his parents on their farm.
He strived for perfection, which became his obsession and passion. Pole vault is the glamorous sport of any track and field event. The sportsman combines the grace of a gymnast with the strength of a bodybuilder. Pole vaulting also has an element of flying.
The thought of flying as high as a two-story building fascinates anyone watching it. That was Michael Stone’s dream, reality and his quest, constant preparation and determination where his strengths. He had cleared the bar at 17 ft 2 inches and 17 ft 4 inches and became one of the final two competitors in the pole – vaulting event at the National Junior Olympics.
The.stadium was filled with twenty thousand people. Michael was immediately swarmed by people hugging and congratulating him. He later went on to clear 17 feet 16 inches that day which was a National and International Junior Olympics record.
It was a magnificent feat. Michael’s life would never be the same. Being blind he had won the National Junior Olympics and set a new world record.
