I've written about the dickheads and court jesters of the sporting world and as we all know, there are a truck-load of them. This week I pay tribute to the nice guys of sport. The legends that go about their business quietly and efficiently, without making pricks of themselves off the field. Here we go!
The men want to be him nice guy.
This category celebrates the sportsman that is not only a gun, but has everything going for them. They have the looks, the lifestyle, the talent and best of all, they are top blokes. Kelly Slater would be a good example. For years he has dominated his sport like no other, yet remained human and grounded. He gets media attention, but doesn't seek it. Sure he's dated a few models and actresses, but not to get his head in a magazine. Always humble and generous with praise for competitors, Slater is the sort of bloke I'd be happy to trade places with. Also in this category: Rafael Nadal and Jenson Button.
Son of a gun nice guy.
Imagine if your old man was one of the biggest names in sport and you were trying to not only make a name for yourself, but step out of an enormous shadow. It's obvious, Gary Ablett Jnr is the poster boy for this group. Not only has he managed to become his own man, he has done it with style and dignity. His Dad was a superstar, but also a misunderstood character than shunned the limelight. A series a off field incidents tarnished his off-field reputation, but he eventually made the AFL hall of fame.
Son Gary chose his own number and his own path. Quietly grinding out a career based on hard work and talent, not Dad's god-like status. As his skills and standing in the game blossomed, so did his public image. Unlike his father, junior spoke to the media gradually and politely. He never dodged stupid questions about his Dad, which have almost halted. His footy has done the talking and the footy world has listened intently. Others in this group: Shaun Marsh and CJ Bruton.
Aussie favourites nice guy.
There are some blokes that make you extremely proud to be Australian. Win, lose or draw, you know these lads will show the same grace and sportsmanship every time. These guys are world beaters, but never forget where they came from or who helped them get there. Casey Stoner is one of my favourites. This young man is arse kickingly good at his trade, but the way he handles himself is what catches my eye. Always articulate and composed, he praises his rivals, but maintains a steely determination to always do his best. You never see him in the paper for being pissed and obnoxious, because he's too busy training or hanging out with the family. Normal stuff...that's why I love the guy. More Aussie favourites: Pat Rafter and Andrew Bogut.
They say sport needs characters, which is true, but can someone please explain the difference between a character and a wanker? I see nothing wrong with a sportsman being clean cut and brilliant. Why does someone have to do or say stupid shit to be labelled "interesting".
Manny Pacquiao, Roger Federer and more recently Rory McIlroy are three of the best. People admire them, but also contemplate what makes them tick. The sports stars that are stupidly good are the ones I find most intriguing. What drives them? How do they remain so focused? How do they balance fame with reality?
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