There are all kinds of ways to measure one's athletic gifts.

Above average athletes typically run fast, jump high and do things most people can only dream about.

But is there a way to measure one's heart and desire?

I recently wrote a story about a 16-year-old kid named Gabriel Gunselman who ruptured his appendix and was able to complete several more days of a physically grueling search and rescue training academy.

Gunselman wasn't aware of how serious his injury was and didn't seek any additional attention about it.

He was able to complete most of academy before bowing out for what turned out to be an emergency surgery.

Now I'm not condoning risking your health. Had Gunselman been aware that his injury was more serious than he thought, I'm sure he would have gone to the hospital immediately.

What I am admiring is a little toughness.

As far as I'm concerned, athletes can be put into one of two categories when it comes to injuries: Those who seek out attention for every bump and bruise and those who fight through pain because they love the game.

Prior to the fifth game of the 1997 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan was by himself vomiting.

He had a stomach virus and was visibly wiped out.

But he still managed to dig deep inside himself and score 38 points, including a late jumper that would give Chicago a 90-88 win over Utah and a 3-2 series lead.

Jordan could have easily stayed in bed and chugged Nyquil.

I realize the Jordan reference might be extreme, mostly because Jordan was the ultimate competitor.

But it's an example of what can happen when you let your heart take over.

During last year's U.S. Open, Tiger Woods played the final couple of rounds in agonizing pain.

His left knee was basically useless and would need ACL surgery immediately after the tournament.

But he forged ahead and beat underdog Rocco Mediate in one of the more dramatic golf tournaments ever.

How easy would it have been for Woods to bow out of the tournament, go home and watch it on his Lazy-Boy with a bag of Cheetos?

I guarantee you he wasn't in it for the money. His desire wouldn't let him quit.

There are countless other examples of athletes playing through pain, including Kirk Gibson, Isaiah Thomas and Willis Reed, to name just a few.

I'm reminded of the time I was able to display my toughness.

We were playing indoor soccer in P.E. during my freshman year in high school and I remember it like it was yesterday.

I was goalie and this kid, Travis, kicked a ball over my head against the wall.

I turned to see the ball bounce off the wall and back into the middle of the gym.

When I whipped back around really quick, Travis lowered his shoulder and plowed into me.

I fell backward and my left arm broke my fall. I got up and played the rest of the game with what turned out to be a broken arm.

So what I'm saying is, I'm every bit the athlete as Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan.

No, wait, that's not what I'm saying.

What I mean is, don't always let pain control you. Fight back once in a while.

Matt Crownover is the sports reporter at the Lebanon Express. He can be reached at 258-3151.