One of my favorite nutbars of the 70’s is John MacEnroe. I remember my parents saying he was such a gifted player but he had terrible bouts of temper that sometimes cost him the game and match. I remember seeing him shouting at umpires and the veins in his forehead sticking out. I mean, he was powerful to behold when I was a young kid like 9 or 10. I felt like that when I missed a shot. But what about sportsmanship? I got an earful from my parents about it when John came on TV. I am sure he’s heard lectures and judgement all his life.
It makes me wonder about anger and the brain. Could it be that chemicals are at fault or was it the way he was raised that made him think it was okay to challenge line referees with profanity on global television? Something to think about as we are raising kids and doing our part in the world.
When I see him on TV nowadays, he’s smiling which is neat to see. Anyway, remember to keep your temper in check. Most of us don’t have the luxury of a fan club that will be cheering us on in the aftermath. Enjoy this YouTube video that captures some classic MacEnroe tantrums:
If you’ve been watching the olympics as I have lately, I know you’ve added respect for the athletes. Yesterday I saw the diving and gymnastics and it was both entertaining and inspiring. There are 5 key take-aways I get from the Olympics that make me better for watching! Even the kids are putting away their playstation 3 games and tuning in.
They are practiced. The reason they step up to the diving board with confidence is because of this. Things I can practice? Lesson delivery, Spanish conversation … the list goes on.
They are genuinely excited to be there. I wish more people in the world had that “arrival” sense of being where they are supposed to be. I need to remember the first time I blogged and how I would have loved to know the things I know how. In addition, my first day of teaching back in 1997.
They accept coaching. The gymnastic coaches were right there with them and they seemed to work in perfect harmony. Do you view coaching as something for the weak? If so, work on that attitude.
They wish each other well before and after the game. We all know this, but do we practice good sportsmanship?
-and finally- They seem themselves as role models from “afar.” Any famous athlete has a public relations agent. Olympians know kids are watching them and so they make decisions carefully about the image they portray. We may not be olympians but many people are watching us in our “circle.”
