A business colleague told me this story in the late 80's and I have used it in every athletic and business endeavour that I have been involved with since then.

Ted Turner used to be a world class yachtsman; competing several times to earn a berth to represent the US in the America's Cup. His boat was named Courageous and people nicknamed him "Captain Outrageous".

Turner was racing his yacht in the North Sea in a highly prestigous qualifying event. After a early malfunction Turner came back from last place and was soon racing to the front. As he was about to take control of the race a violent storm blew in. Officials called a halt to the race, later deciding to let all entered advance to the next round. The entrants were contacted over marine band radio to return to port or any safe haven. The boats quickly complied. Race officials realized that the Courageous had not responded and spent nearly 45 minutes trying to reach Turner.

Upon breaking radio silence, Turner immediately asked; WHAT PLACE AM I IN?While others had accepted the consolation prize and was happy just to survive, Turner was only interested in competing. Little wonder that he is one of America's greatest business icons.