To achieve true contentment and purpose, both William Thatcher and Lane Frost live out their dreams to become champions. One aspect very apparent in both movies A Knight's Tale and Eight Seconds is that becoming a champion is a process. This process later shows more opposition and conflict rather than encouragement and success.
In the movie a Knight's Tale, all William Thatcher ever wanted to do since he was a peasant child was the impossible, to become a great Knight. After overhearing his dream of wanting to be a Knight. A peasant man told William that William's desire to become a Knight would be as impossible as him trying to change the stars. Despite what others said and along with what society told him, he was encouraged by his father to pursue his dream. More importantly he believed in himself. Thatcher's will and attitude never fluctuated. Although it would take breaking the rules to pass himself off, as a nobleman, William Thatcher was convinced he could be a champion. With the help of his two closest companions, Thatcher was able to train relentlessly with the joust and the sword, which would soon pay off. Quickly becoming master of the joust and the sword William Thatcher, now also known as Sir UlricVan Lichanstein, would also become a master of disguise. Unexpectedly taking the sport of jousting he would continue to prove himself by winning consecutive jousts and winning the sword competition. Regardless of his accomplishments he was not content. In a battle against his archrival, Thatcher faced defeat. Because of his loss Thatcher not only suffered a blow to his pride but to a potential love interest he has an eye on. This loss fueled Thatcher more to be the best knowing that Ademher was the only one who defeated him. In turn, this meant he was the best in the sport. With the stage set and the cards dealt for William to be the best, all he needed to do was defeat Ademher and continue to win the love of Jocelyn.