By Dr. Nauright
The past couple of weeks have been rife with controversy in sport around the world from revelations about iconic American cyclist Lance Armstrong, to even more evidence of corruption at the highest levels of FIFA and world soccer, to Jim Tressel’s demise at Ohio State University and then some. And while initially we were keeping the blogs of these couple of weeks to the students and their trip, I have felt compelled to discuss a few of these issues along the way.
Today as I write Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer play in the final of the French Open. It is the eighth time they have met in a Grand Slam tennis final. This is twice more than any other pair in history. Although I have had a slight preference for Nadal, it really doesn’t matter to me who wins. Both gentlemen – and I use that in the classic sense of the term – are genuine sportsmen who clearly demonstrate respect and admiration for each other. Between them they have won 26 (one of them will win today) Grand Slam titles There has never been any sandbagging, trash talking or dissing of one by the other. They have wished each other well and have been gracious in both victory and defeat. Any doubters out there only need to watch the trophy ceremonies after the 2007 and 2008 Wimbledon finals, the first won by Federer, the second by Nadal. Each understands the greatness of the other and they show it. Here are two men who have earned $100 million between them in prize money, yet fame and fortune have not corrupted the character of these two giants of tennis who may prove to be the best two players of all-time.
Their styles are different, from dress, again watch the walk-on to the court at Wimbledon in 2008, to playing style. Federer is quite, determined, but seems to glide around the court. Nadal grunts, sweats, yells, fist pumps, though none of this is ever aimed directly at the opponent. These two are no John McEnroe versus Jimmy Connors.
While the world of sporting ideals appears to be shattered or at the minimum collapsing around us, I hope that sports fans all over the world take time today to watch competition at the highest level achieved with respect, dignity and graciousness. By the time this blog is posted we will know the winner. Perhaps that matters to some beyond the inner circles of the two athletes, however, the real winner today will be sport which has taken such a beating in recent weeks and months due to the greed, hubris and abuse of power especially by those off the courts and fields. I hope everyone takes or was able to take a couple of hours to enjoy what sport should be about. For today at least, sport will be sporting and all that we wish sport would be will be on display, at least for a few short hours….
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