SPORTS, ATHLETES and ROGER FEDERER
As a guide and an inspiration in life, sports are a journey of discovery. I’ve rarely played or watched a game without learning something new. – Bruce Kidd, runner, educator, author of “A Runner’s Journey.”
THERE IS MORE GOOD NEWS IN THE WORLD THAN BAD
SPORTS are renowned for their sayings and metaphors about life and often serve as a guide and inspiration to our everyday actions. Great ATHLETES are worshiped for their skills, accomplishments and amazing athletic feats. Some athletes are worshiped for their character, who they are and what they overcame, and some for a combination of all of the above. Some people pay no attention to sports; some are turned off by what some athletes earn; and some sayings are overused and ignored. However, many look on athletes as heroes; their sayings and words, fueled by what they have done, become mantras and an inspiration, not just in their sport, but in much of what they do in life.
There are many powerful sports sayings and metaphors; they include:
- “Excellence is not a singular act; it’s a habit.” – Written by historian Will Durant in his 1926 book “The Story of Philosophy,” made popular by retired basketball player Shaquille O’Neal.
- You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” –Wayne Gretzky, former hockey player
- “It’s not whether you won or lost, but how you played the game.” –Grantland Rice, legendary American sports writer
- “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit.” –Wilma Rudolph, American sprinter who had polio at age 4, wore a brace until age 12, won an Olympic bronze medal 4 years later at age 16, and at the age of 20 won 3 gold sprinting medals at the 1960 Olympics.
WE worship athletes who have performed amazing feats. This would include:
- Paul Henderson for his goals in the 1972 Summit Hockey Series with Russia.
- Usain Bolt, world record holder, for his amazing speed in the 100 and 200 metre run, winning 8 Olympic gold medals.
- Lionel Messi for his outstanding soccer (football) skills.
- Canadian teenage swimmer Summer McIntosh, a multi-Olympic medal winner and current record holder in the 200 metre butterfly.
Some excel at both their athleticism and who they are as people. Examples include:
Jackie Robinson, who overcame prejudices and the colour barrier, and became the first Black person to play major league baseball.
Billie Jean King, an outstanding women’s tennis player, former U.S. Open champion and champion of women’s rights in tennis, as well as other sports.
Sticking with tennis, and maybe he is currently in the news because of the U.S. Open and his recent induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, there is Swiss tennis star Roger Federer.
Some will argue he is the best male tennis player ever, having had a 24-year career and a world ranking of #1 for 310 weeks, including 237 straight weeks, winning 103 ATP tournaments, of which 20 were Grand Slams, including 5 straight Wimbledon titles (8 in total) and 6 U.S. Opens. He is also known as a gentleman and philanthropist, and for being gracious both on and off the court. He is also said to be a truly incredible father and husband, a role model, an inspiration to many, someone not afraid to cry and who can make others cry from positive emotions; in short, A CLASS ACT.
Many have asked me if I had heard his address and acceptance of an honorary degree at the 2024 Dartmouth graduation ceremony. Many have said it is the best graduation speech they have ever heard. This is from a person whose formal education finished when he was 16. Attached are 2 links to the speech. The first is a 2-minute short version; the second is the full 25-minute talk.
As someone who has listened to the longer speech several times, I believe it is a great investment of time for anyone aged 10-100.
Till next time,
Chris Snyder
Climate optimist
If you like the blog, please share it.
