Thirty years ago, Kus guided his proud disciple, Patterson, through the grueling journey of Olympic trials. It was supposed to be a moment of glory, but it ended in disappointment and betrayal. Despite Patterson's superior skills and techniques, and his clearly higher score, the referee shockingly declared his opponent the victor. In a fit of rage, Kus confronted an Olympic Committee official, igniting controversy and a media frenzy. Amidst the turmoil, Patterson eventually reclaimed his spot and went on to win a gold medal at the Helsinki Olympics, but the bitter taste of injustice lingered.
As time passed, Tyson's recent words transported Kus back to those tumultuous moments thirty years ago—memories that were not so easy to forget.
Like Patterson, Tyson also underwent a harsh journey through the Olympic trials, a path he confronted not once but twice. The first trial showcased his striking skills and evasive tactics, allowing him to dominate in the ring. Yet, the same disheartening fate awaited him; the referee awarded victory to his rival. In the aftermath, Tyson regrouped and prepared for another chance.
A little over a month later, a rematch offered him the opportunity he so desired. Once again, his opponent was the very one who had bested him before. This time, Tyson was nothing short of electrifying—he knocked his rival out of the ring, a display of prowess that left spectators, including a prominent sports commentator, certain of his victory. But once again, the referee rendered a baffling decision against him. The injustices of the Olympic Committee seemed almost surreal, cloaked in bias and opaque maneuvering.
"Mike," Kus implored, his voice tense with determination, "this is our plan. Don't forget it. We need to qualify for the Olympics. I can get you that gold medal, and then the professional arena will open up for you."
Tyson's response was resolute. "I'm done with that plan. My fighting style doesn't fit the Olympics. Wearing helmets and dancing around like I'm dodging cats—it's not me."
Tyson was speaking from the heart. His identity as a fighter was rooted in raw, unyielding combat—not in a staged rehearsal designed for Olympic scoring. He couldn't align himself with athletes who employed a more evasive, point-gathering approach. If circumstances had been different, perhaps he might have considered competing for an Olympic medal in another country. But here, in the United States, the stakes felt entirely insufficient, and the significance felt diluted.
Realizing further argument would be fruitless, Kus lay back on the bed, closing his eyes, feeling the weight of resignation.
"Those bureaucrats in the Olympic Committee will surely undermine my achievements with their rotten tactics. We don't even need them; I can still make it as a professional boxer and etch my name in history as the youngest champion. That's what you've always championed," Tyson continued, brimming with confidence.
Kus, lying quietly, felt momentarily depleted. He saw Tyson's firm resolve—a combination of true passion and fear that reflected on his face. It was clear that Tyson's decision not to pursue the Olympic trials stemmed not just from disdain but from a deeper struggle within himself.
Kus's hopes for Tyson to represent him at the Olympics came from a place of desire—a chance to bask in reflected glory and showcase Tyson's talent on a grand stage. However, Kus acknowledged that Tyson's path may diverge from the traditional route, and the shock of this realization was hard to accept.
A few minutes stretched into eternity until Kus finally opened his eyes.
"Mike," Kus said with conviction, "you have every right to make this choice. I won't force you to pursue the Olympic trials. What matters is for you to reflect on what you want and how to get there. I thought qualifying would bolster your prospects as you transitioned into professional fights. But if the Olympics don't resonate with you, then that's your decision. Ultimately, it's about your journey—each victory will still come from your own hard work and dedication."
To his surprise, Kus's words had flowed out more fluidly than he had anticipated, bringing a sense of relief to Tyson, who felt the burden ease off his shoulders.
Kus's recovery had begun to take a positive turn—he had shown remarkable resilience during a difficult time, allowing Tyson a sense of comfort during his own ordeal. As Kus improved, Tyson made arrangements for Teddy to return to New York, wanting to spend more time at the hospital with Kus.
Despite his busy schedule, Tyson found an unfathomable sense of peace in the ordinary—spending his days with Kus and evenings retreating to the solitude of his hotel. This way of life became a refuge for Tyson after such an intense period of preparation and struggle.
A week later, Kus's strength had returned enough for him to insist on discharge from the hospital. "I'm done with this dismal place. It's stifling... I can't stand the smell of disinfectant any longer!" he declared, his irritation evident.
Once out, the duo flew back to Catskill and as they made their way through the lively streets, passersby recognized Tyson, their buzz of excitement filling the air.
"Oh wow, look! It's the national champion!" someone exclaimed.
"Isn't that 'Iron Mike' Tyson? He fought beautifully!" a child shouted, eyes twinkling with admiration.
The fame felt exhilarating, though Kus kept raining on his parade.
"You're just an amateur champion, not even close to the pros," he sneered. "In the world of professional boxing, it doesn't count for much."
Tyson understood Kus's frustration; not participating in the Olympic trials weighed on him. Kus's dreams for his student had shifted, yet Tyson knew that acceptance and promises could differ immensely.
"That's just who he is, I guess. He'll come around soon enough," he thought to himself with a smirk, picturing Kus's jovial nature returning after a few days.
At home, Tyson was welcomed warmly by Carmel. "Mike, I saw your fight on TV! I might not know much about boxing, but I'm so proud of you!" she exclaimed, her smile lighting up the room.
In a moment of privacy, while Kus took a brief bathroom break, Tyson candidly shared with Carmel the developments of Kus's recovery journey. Her anger flared when she learned how Kus had treated Tyson while in the hospital. "He shouldn't shut everyone out like that. It's as if he thinks he knows best. Health is paramount, and he needs to be reminded of that,"she asserted, her concern palpable.
...
Returning to Catskill marked a new chapter for Tyson. A wave of relief swept over him as the pressures of Olympic trials faded. With newfound freedom, he immersed himself in training like never before, embracing the opportunity to hone his craft.
As the holiday season rolled into spring, Tyson felt invigorated, revitalized by the warmth and light around him. After Christmas, the world seemed to awaken, and more media outlets began reaching out, keen to share Tyson's story through interviews and features.
In the boxing world, the tide was shifting, and Tyson stood ready for the waves of opportunity to follow. This was only the beginning, and his journey was far from over. Each step he took, along with Kus by his side, would bring him closer to carving his own legacy—one that would echo in the annals of boxing history for years to come.