Derek Redmond: An epitome of inspiration

What I saw in the video for about five minutes left me numb for a few seconds afterwards and awestruck. Hats off the person who compiled the video but the lesson that it has taught is something to be remembered for a life time. The essence of the video dates back to the 1992 Olympics held in Barcelona. One of the most awaited track events of the Olympic Games, the 400 mts sprint semi final run was shortly to be conducted when all the athletes had assembled on their respective tracks at the start line. The top 2 finishers would qualify for the final run, and there hence all the athletes were ready for the gun shot marking the start. Along with all the athletes was one, Derek Redmond from England, who that day showed the world what courage, perseverance and true sportsmanship was all about. The race started off, and all athletes started sprinting, and towards the last 250 mts nearing completion Redmond tore his hamstring and tumbled on the tracks in pain unable to complete his lap. As the whole stadium watched in shock and disbelief, he rose up on his feet and started limping on his track to complete his lap. This was when his father came forward to help finish the race with a standing ovation from the whole stadium. This incident became a striking moment in Olympic history and became the subject of one of the International Olympic Committee's 'Celebrate Humanity' videos. This will power of Redmond, showed the entire sporting fraternity and the whole world that courage and sheer perseverance is what leads to success many a times. And success here was not coming first in the race but finishing the race and not quitting half way, and failure was not falling down but refusing to try again. After seeing this, I realized especially for sportsmen, there are a lot of pits and falls at every stage that one has to tackle with utmost grit and determination if one has to make it to the top, and even if not the top, being a sports person in the first place itself is a lot of pride in itself. More so, every human being I feel has a lot that one can learn in those 5mins of watching the video that not only portrays the commitment of a true athlete but also certain values that helps one lead a valuable life.

Two sides to a coin

Everyday on my way to college in the mornings, I pass by a specific slum area when I get to see the bitter side of reality of how life is people who live out there and the kind of lives their children lead. But one thing strikes me hard every time I pass, the happiness with which the tiny tots of the slums happily run around screaming their throats out and playing with each other. All that those kids know are that and nothing more than that. No high-funda spendings, the ability to get themselves trained or nothing of that sort, but still they have their own physical activity to keep them engaged irrespective of the surroundings around them. To the little boys out there, their Sachin Tendulkar rocks the bat made out of some left over piece of wood, their stumps drawn with black charcoal on a pavement wall and their ball made of some worn out hard material. But what is heartening to see was the fact that they actually know every single detail of the game. The vigor and enthusiasm that is shown on their faces during their play is outstanding, shouting in joy when they dismiss a batsman or when a boy hits their makeshift ball high in the sky. As I go ahead a little further, I come across this well known school, where I see young boys coming out wearing track suits, with the cricket kits and talking in English about their practice session they had just been to. What a contrast I just saw within a matter of just ten minutes. Totally distinct from each other yet very similar on only one thread – the love for the game ‘Cricket’. It is then I realize that cricket in my country, has no boundaries and it truly is the unsaid religion of India. The kind of background that especially children come from, don’t matter at all. To them how they play, where they play, with whom they play, when they play is of least importance, it is the sheer love for the game and the joy of playing that matters at the end of the day for all of them. With the two mega cricketing festivals, the ICC World Cup and The IPL round the corner, everybody has a lot to look out for and enjoy!!!

The Australian Open!!!

Atlast, The Australian Open and the victories…was this result expected by many a tennis lover? I doubt, with the World No1 and No2, not featuring in the final match at all. Nadal and Federer lost out way before and that came as the biggest surprise to one and all. The first grand slam of the year for mens’ singles was clinched by Novak Djokovic and the women’s singles by Kim Clijsters. To talk about the ladies first, Belgian player Kim Clijsters walked away with the title defeating China’s Li Na. Oh what a game did Kim deliver, a mother of a two year old who bounced back in action after retiring from the sport. This is what one calls a true comeback I would say. In full form, calm and composed facing each hurdle with all her might to get the title. The unexpected exit of Justine Henin came as another upset. Moving to the men’s singles Nadal faced defeat owing to his injury, sadly!! Following this, Federer and Djokovic were seated against each other and to everyone’s surprise Djokovic bet Nadal, but one has to give him true credits for the kind of game Djo played that kept Nadal on his toes. Probably this was the best match for Djo in his entire career. Talking of all the players, how could I forget our Indian players? The combo of Mahesh Bhupathi and Leander Peas came together after nearly nine years for a grand slam but they did not perform as well as expected. They lost out though but never the less, their entry or reappearance as a team itself was a lot of hopes in the making when they entered the finals. I even thought they would make it, but sadly they didn’t. Never the less, it is all in the game!!It wasn’t our day. It was the Bryans day when it came to doubles. All said and done, the next what the world will look for is the French Open to see if there will be the clash of the titans in all categories then atleast for the title!!!