As a school going kid, I hero worshipped Bjorn Borg, the Tennis Maestro. His ice cool demeanour on the court, his legendary low pulse rate, him not showing any emotions on the court, his impeccable behaviour on the Court (as compared to the tantrums of McEnroe or Connors) nearly made him inhuman and god-like for an school going child. When he retired at the age of 26, I was shell shocked and just couldn't understand it. The shock turned to total confusion when his post retirement loose (that is putting it mildly) and wild life-style made him the centre of the news for all the wrong reasons. He also managed to squander away all his immense wealth and couple of broken marriages later, he was bankrupt. It was sad to see him trying to make a both ends meet. I just couldnt fathom, how such a successful athlete could end up a disaster in personal life. There was profound grief. And I still dont have an answer as to which was the real Borg.
Though not to the same extend as Borg, another sportsperson whom I adored was the pretty, and again impassive Chris Evert (nee Lloyd). I cheered her against the muscular Martina, and felt despondent when she lost to Martina (which was more often than not in the later part of her rivalry). Like Borg, Chris also had a more colourful personal life which was in total contrast to her on court demeanour.
Now, it is the turn of Tiger Woods. Here was a guy, who was the quintessential perfect man. All his life was going on as if being programmed. 14 majors, the tag of being the best golfer ever, a happy family with 2 kids, billion dollar endorsements, impeccable sportsmanship - life couldn't have been better. Now the scandal out of the blue. His numerous affairs, sexual escapades described in vivid details and now him taking an indefinite break from Golf - it is almost as if these guys have split personalities.
The question to be asked is whether the Sportsmen management system that includes trainers, sponsors, stake holders are creating immense pressure on the talented sportsmen forcing them to wear a mask that is alien to them.
Should we feel sorry for them. Should we judge them only on their skills on their chosen sports? My personal opinion is that we should. But success and money brings with it responsibilities and ethical living. One cant shirk it. Tiger knows that. No advertisements featuring him has been on in USA since November 28th and the Tiger Brand has taken a severe beating. Many used him to endorse their products because of the kind of person they thought he was. Continuing with him after his image has been washed like dirty linen and hung out to dry is expected to create collateral damage to the products he endorsed.
'Maalika mugal eriya manante tholil maarappu thookunnathum bhavan'
