Of Champions And Demi-Gods

Champions are a strange bunch. They are revered and despised in equal measure. Fans worhsip them and critics pan them. After proving one's mettle at the highest level, what is the next frontier?

Most current champions - Sachin, Federer, Tiger Woods, Zidane, Schumacher - have their name etched permanently in the record books. Some are still at the peak of their abilities, some answer increasingly vociferous critics with every impeccable performance.

When practically the world has written them off, these champions prove yet and again that form is temporary, class is permanent. Watching a Riquelme play is engrossing, but watching Zidane play is spell-binding. Watching Alonso win is worthy of applause, but watching Schumi silence shouts for his retirement with a majestic win at the Indy was worthy of an ovation! Being 1 second down going into the first pit stop, Schumi displayed downright brilliant driving entering the pitlane and the lap after the pitlane to emerge P1. Massa could only watch on awestruck as Schumi demonstrated how races are won. One commentator put it aptly when he said "Schumi is like a magician with pit stops - no one is certain exactly how he manages to do that!".

The best part of the race? After the race was won, Schumi celebrated alright, but the sight of him lofting Massa into the air following Massa's career-best showing was heart-warming. This was more befitting a champion of his stature than the sniggers of insecurity that he was often accused of last season. What seperates demi-gods from champions? one word - ATTITUDE. After Alonso stormed to a historic start to his formula1 title defense, Schumacher was typically bouyant. "There are 9 races to go. We are very much on track to win the chamionship" was his cheerful response. This was after a depressing showing in Montreal where the Ferrari was obviously not in the same league as the Renault.

This blog is a tribute to a true champion who transcends the bounds of sportsmen to the realm of the extra-ordinary. As I sign out, do check out the Ferrari pic and marvel at the majesty of the beast! It surely is a sight for sore eyes!