The Heroic Shuffle of Cliff Young

The year was 1983. Australia's most gruelling ultra-marathon, the 875-kilometer race from Sydney to Melbourne, was about to commence. This demanding event, known to be one of the world's most challenging races, attracted only the creme de la creme of athletes, all sponsored by major companies with a full suite of professional support staff.

As the media buzzed around the perfectly toned athletes in their state-of-the-art gear, an unassuming old man in overalls and worn-out boots shuffled up to the registration table. His name was Cliff Young, a 61-year-old potato farmer with a straightforward dream – to run the race.

The murmurs began immediately. Concerned officials, professional runners, and the media shared incredulous glances, questioning his sanity. Cliff's lack of professional attire and unassuming demeanour made him the odd one out. When confronted about his intention, Cliff simply shared his story of herding 2,000 sheep across vast stretches of his farm during storms, often taking him days. The tale was heartfelt but didn't align with the conventional wisdom of ultra-marathon running. Even so, Cliff was determined. He believed in his unique training, even if it didn't fit the mould.

Running the Race

When the race began, as expected, the elite athletes sped ahead, their strides strong and determined. Cliff, however, shuffled. Not ran, but shuffled, becoming the subject of many a joke and pitying glance. The strategy of most runners was to run for 18 hours and sleep for 6. Cliff, unfamiliar with this strategy, had a plan of his own - he intended to keep running without sleep.

As dawn broke on the second day, the nation watched in disbelief. Cliff had run the entire night, making considerable headway. With every passing hour, he continued his relentless shuffle, closing the gap between him and the leading pack. 

Night after night, the old potato farmer defied the odds. And then, the unimaginable happened. Cliff overtook the elite, young, world-class athletes, not just finishing the race but winning it and breaking the course record by two whole days!

Free of Limiting Beliefs

The nation was in awe. How did this unassuming 61-year-old do it? Apart from his unwavering belief in himself, his unconventional "Young Shuffle" turned out to be a more energy-efficient way to run. This technique, which many had mocked initially, would later be adopted by multiple ultra-marathon champions.

When awarded the $10,000 prize, Cliff's humility shone again. Unaware of the prize money and insisting he didn't run for it, he generously distributed his winnings among other runners. Australia didn't just find a new champion; they found a hero.

In subsequent years, Cliff's determination didn't wane. Even a displaced hip in another race didn't deter him. And at 76, he embarked on another monumental challenge, attempting to run around Australia's border to raise funds for homeless children. Though he couldn't complete the full 16,000 kilometres due to unforeseen circumstances, his spirit remained unbroken.

Cliff Young's story isn't just about winning a race. It's a testament to the human spirit, determination, and the power of self-belief. It's about shuffling past the naysayers, embracing one's uniqueness, and proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.