When I was a boy. I had an ambition. Yes. I will become a professional athlete. Like every Canadian kid. I first envisioned myself in the N.H.L. I played and I practised. Mostly as a pick-up player on local rinks or down the street. Puck and skates or a ball and sneakers. Didn't matter to me.
But then, while still in my single digits, I ventured out further and deeper into the game. On professional ice surfaces. Real organized hockey. With other kids my age. And it was there that I found out. That I wasn't any good.
Then something happened. I discovered ~ there are many sports. Each requiring one of these at least. Running, hitting, passing, catching, shooting, slicing and even dicing. And common to all was exertion. Physical and mental tests of
the will. I thought - what a wonderful world we live in! A world of fun and camaraderie with friends and competitors. It was nice to grow up in Canada where opportunity presents. And satisfaction rewards. Not to mention the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and a good night's rest.
And now as I reflect on my sporting life. Not less than a generation ago, I have one regret. Racquet sports are where it's at. I actually started on that path. But way too late, late twenties.
I was just recently reminded while watching the men's final at the Australian Open Tennis Championships. If you hadn't had a chance to see it then I'm sorry. Two highly conditioned athletes. A battle of wills. An unbelievable physical effort on both sides of the net. Tennis is the ultimate test of competition, uncertainty, physical prowess, skill and phenomenal athletic accomplishment. One could never imagine. And then to see this demonstrated for six gruelling and exciting hours to determine a winner. Well. That took the crown as the best performance ever. By any and all athletes.
Congratulations to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal for the spectacle. Too bad some one had to lose. I wish I had started playing tennis as a kid. Maybe I could have been on that stage.
