Extra Point
By Mike Fitzgerald
Wednesday, May 1, 1996
Even when the wake of a big powerboat or a fancy yacht nearly capsized them, these kids were obviously enjoying every second on the sparkling waters off of Magic Island last Sunday.
This is where Sam Kerner learned to sail when he was 8 years old.
Like these children, who come from all backgrounds of Oahu, he is a product of the Waikiki Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program.
Last week, Kerner's dream of bringing home a gold medal to Hawaii was drowned in the United States Olympic Trials in Savannah, Ga.
Kerner, who spent so much of his youth practicing in the gusty tradewinds and big seas off Diamond Head, was plagued by light winds and unexpected equipment problems at the trials.
Only one person advances to represent the U.S. in the single-handed Finn class and - despite being one of the top-ranked sailors in the world - Kerner came up short.
The 29-year-old Hawaii Baptist Academy graduate started his Olympic campaign two years ago and made plenty of sacrifices to pursue his dream.
Kerner was given a leave of absence from his job at Mutual of New York. He sold his car and lived in his van on the mainland to save money.
And he received much support from family and friends, especially at the Waikiki Yacht Club, which held many fund-raisers for one of its favorite sons.
Kerner logged more than 63,000 miles on land and in the air as he traveled to the various competitions around the world that were vital to his Olympic plan.
Often, he sailed in freezing cold conditions.
Sometimes the loneliness was even worse, when the only people around were those who wanted to defeat him.
Naturally, he is crushed.
BUT when the initial pain and shock finally ease, Kerner will realize the wonderful benefits he reaped from the experience.
A loser? No way. Not in any sense of the word.
Kerner had a personal goal, but he also wanted to bring glory to Hawaii. He certainly succeeded there.
Only a precious few get to have a bronze, silver or gold medal put around their neck at the Olympics.
Even qualifying for the Games is a long shot in each and every competition.
Yet, around the world - even as the torch works its way toward Atlanta today - men and women are striving to represent their country.
This might sound corny, but the true spirit of the Olympics is really about dreams, not medals - not even competing. Those are the results, as wonderful as they can be.
But for every Carl Lewis, there are thousands of Sam Kerners. And one is not better than the other because both believed and gave it their best shot.
Lewis didn't work any harder or sacrifice any more of his personal life than Kerner did.
In the meantime, Kerner will return home to Hawaii and surely pass on his wonderful sailing skills to many of our state's young people, which he has always found time to do over the years.
Maybe one of his students will someday sail in the Olympics or even win a medal. Each will have a better life.
Kerner showed us that it is OK to follow your dream and, despite the hardships or failures along the way, you will be a far better person because of the journey.
The sun was slipping in the azure sky last Sunday beyond Magic Island, the golden rays reflecting on the Ala Wai harbor waters as the fleet of tiny sailors turned back for the dock.
Sam Kerner deserves a hero's welcome home because he is one.
It should be no different than if he returned with an Olympic gold medal around his neck.