When you think of true sporting champions, the greats of Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Pele and Michael Schumacher come to mind. So what makes these sportsmen stand out from the rest? What does it take to become a true champion?
I enjoy reading about the sporting greats; I feel that by doing so I am able to learn about what it takes to achieve success.
When you watch Tiger Woods playing golf in one of the majors it is easy just to sit back and think that it is purely natural. Some people are even cheeky enough to suggest that Tiger is lucky to have such a natural talent. These people are sadly unaware of the amount of hard work and dedication that Tiger has put into becoming such a great golfing talent.
To become a true champion you need to go that extra mile, you need to be prepared to break through that pain barrier; you need to work harder than every other competitor and you need to be willing to sacrifice. How many sportsmen down the years have wasted their talent as they could not go without the demon drink?
A true champion is gracious in defeat. Yes of course they hate to lose, that is what makes them such a regular winner. When they do taste defeat they are quick to congratulate the victor and they do not spit out the dummy. Privately they will be furious as anything but victory is just not acceptable in their world.
A true champion will be an ambassador for their sport. They will be happy to talk to the press; they will want to help charities around the world and to help people that are not so fortunate as themselves. They will also be a role model for children and adults, people who watch and idolise them.
