09/07/08 - Anyone for tennis?
Now I love my rugby league, and I love my team. I love the excitement inherent in the contest – the speed of the collision, the bravery of the combatants and the passion of the crowd. From the terraces I’ve felt both the unbridled joy and pride of unexpected victory and the irrational but (for a supporter with an emotional attachment to his side) inevitable pain of dramatic defeat. I’ve seen many gifted players – representing both Hull FC and their opponents – and appreciated at first-hand all the great teams of the last two decades.
But never, in all that time spent watching rugby league, have I been so in awe of a demonstration of sporting excellence as I was last Sunday afternoon, when I was lucky enough to experience at first-hand Rafa Nadal’s epic dethroning of imperious five-time champ Roger Federer on Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
For all their millionaire superstar status, these guys exemplify everything that’s inspirational about sport. Skilful almost beyond comprehension; as fiercely competitive and committed as any athletes in any field; able to draw on seemingly inexhaustible reserves of physical stamina; and apparently in possession of extraordinary and unbreakable mental fortitude – both capable of producing their very best – the very best – at the most crucial junctures on the biggest of stages, when the heaviest of pressure bears down and only the true champions can flourish.
If you ever get the chance to see Nadal and Federer do battle, don’t miss it. It’s something that will stay with me for a lifetime.
