Michael Jordan
Left off his school's varsity team, he used it as fuel.
Where it began
Born in 1963 and raised in North Carolina.
The challenge
As a high-school sophomore he did not make the varsity basketball team and played on the junior varsity squad instead.
The turning point
He practised relentlessly and made varsity the next year, then earned a place at the University of North Carolina.
The journey
Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, he became one of the most successful players in the sport.
The impact
He won six NBA titles and six NBA Finals MVP awards, and inspired a generation of athletes.
What we can learn
- Disappointment can drive improvement.
- Practise when no one is watching.
- Hold yourself to high standards.
Tell the story
Speaking challenge
Retell Michael Jordan’s story in 1 minute: where they began, the challenge, the turning point, and one lesson for you.
Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.
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