Columnists off their rockers for dissing comebackers
My columnist colleague Nick Canepa has joined the knee-jerk gang. You know, the folks who criticize athletes for the unforgiveable offense of wanting to compete past their showtime prime. Check out his latest column, which mocks the boxing comeback of Evander Holyfield and the semipro baseball gig of Jose Canseco, ages 43 and 42, respectively. Now if paying customers are being cheated, that's one thing. Nobody should pretend these middle-age guys are worth the same money as their major-league former selves. But what's wrong with anyone -- of ANY age -- doing what they enjoy doing? That's us, ya know.
As I tell my friends: "Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly." And I use myself as Prime Example No. 1. I suck at sprints. I'm horrible at the high jump. And the hurdles? Horrific. But what a kick I get for being "in the game." And every once in a while, I get a glimmer of the sensation I felt 30-plus years ago -- running fast, with ease. Jumping high, effortlessly.
Nickie (as Canepa is known to some folks here) is simply parroting the Conventional Widsom of sportswriters when he concludes: "Retire, fellas. “Hang 'em up” has not been expunged from our athletic lexicon. The sunset can't be that bad. Ride into it."
Cute.
Headline writer had some fun, too:
"Oldies trying comebacks off their rockers"
Clever.
But God save us from couch-potato critics who struggle to lift a remote, much less a 16-pound shot. (And Nick brags about never running except to catch a bus.)
We'll have the last laugh, though.
When Nick goes to his grave, we'll pay our respects -- and then pay a visit to the track for a meet or workout.
Living is the ultimate revenge.
Comments
Ken,
A fascinating subject nicely covered. In my case I run and compete for the quality of life and joy it brings me, not necessarily the longevity it might provide. I do enjoy my life and therein welcome any longevity produced by extended athleticism.
Is it a finer life to compete and train than to criticize others for doing so? I think so.
But, we must answer that on an individual basis, must we not? I'll keep training and racing because it makes happy. I'll also endeavor not to criticize those that seek their happiness through application of craft as I see no positive return in such a negative pursuit. I for one have very mixed thoughts about Mr. Canseco, but I applaud his pursuit of what makes him happy.
And I thank YOU for the forum.
Posted by: Rick Riddle | July 1, 2006 6:31 PM
I am tired of arm-chair sports writers like Nick Canepa. Most athletes don't compete for their legacy or legend; they do it for ego, challenge, and the struggle. As an exercise physiologist, I have worked with some of the best athletes in the world. While many made a lot of money, that's not what motivated them. They love the challenge and the process of tyring to make it to the top.
My friend Brian Oldfield is one of the greatest natural athletes that I have ever seen. Tests we did on him in the 1970s showed that he was faster and more powerful than elite pro baseball, football, and basketball players of the time. He blew away Superbowl running backs and linebackers in power output capacity. He never made much money but the competitive flame is still hot. He had some medical problems (serious infection following surgery) that makes walking difficult for him. Yet, at track and field camps he still competes against high school and college kids in standing short contests and tire throws. He would still be competing today if he could because he loves it.
Most masters athletes are not in the class of a Mays or Hollyfield, but we all know the pleasure of competing and attempting to be better. All of us are deteriorating physically, so it's a victory if we stay in the same place.
Sideline observers like Nick Canepa put down people who compete past their prime. Aging athletes may their tarnish records and "golden boy" images, but Canep doesn't appreciate the joys of the struggle and the need for just a few more minutes in the sun.
Posted by: Thomas Fahey | July 2, 2006 3:30 PM