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It was one of the most heartbreaking stories for New Zealanders: its sailing Team Emirates New Zealand failed to win the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco, USA after leading 8-1 against Team Oracle USA. After the miraculous escape of a near capsize, TENZ lost 8 consecutive matches against  the American team that played second fiddle in the earlier races.

While the US sailing team was financed by Larry Ellison, one of the richest men in the world, TENZ had funded its campaign from sponsors, benefactors and the government. It was primary a battle between David and Goliath. Only this time, David (TENZ) lost.

Ellison is getting the flak of criticisms for cheating and unfairness, and you can’t blame the media and critics for such, as in the previous Cup competition his team was found guilty of cheating, and he does not deny having placed modern equipment that overrode human error in operating his US$10-million-plus catamaran.

While the NZ team failed to bring back the Auld Mug, its members showed passion in their training, commitment to excellence and courage under pressure, as they took on the best sailors in the world. It wasn’t about personal glory for they dedicated each race to their nation, to their fellow Kiwis. Because of these their names will forever be etched in the annals in the history of the sports and the nation. “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25)

One lesson we learned from skipper Dean Barker and company was in their being true athletes, taking the competition one race at a time, and observing the rules. So while the Cup remains with Larry Ellison, who can never be called an athlete, but certainly a businessman. “Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:5)

While they never said it, it is without question that the NZ sailors were guided by this passage: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”  (Philippians 2:3) The qualities (like professional demeanor and humility) they demonstrated throughout the competition made them giants among men.

We are proud of you boys. Welcome home.