Adversity and Passion

Justine McCullagh-Beasy explains that for all the evolution and professionalism of modern sport, the key ingredient is still the same: passion.

Sporting success comes at a high price, so when spectacular triumphs and defining moments arise unbridled passion is often released. It is frequently produced after titanic battles, in which adversity was overcome and victory was seized.

Dripping with sweat and with their hearts beating ferociously sporting stars relish the passionate support they receive from the faithful. An army of adoring fans cheering their names as the limelight shines on them after a performance of exceptional ability.

Every sport evokes passion. Pushing for success often leads to heartache, but for those willing to exhaust themselves in order to achieve the ultimate pinnacle of their respected sports victory is often grasped.

Roger Federer’s composed style was again on show in the final of this years’ Australian Open, the 24-year-old Swiss was being pushed to the limit by surprise packet Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis but hid his emotion as he took out the match in four sets. It wasn’t until Federer took to the podium that his tears began to flow.

Even after winning seven Grand Slam titles the ‘Fed Express’ was unable to control his outburst of raw emotion. He showed the world in a solitary display of invincibility how much he values his victories. No words were needed to explain his happiness.

Still in Australia but with a different type of instrument, Australian Cricket Vice-captain Adam Gilchrist was celebrating a different type of victory. He had beaten the critics with a scintillating ton in Perth.

After a bout of poor form the opener blasted his century and celebrated in emphatic fashion, bowing and raising his bat as he jumped all the way to the edge of the inner circle leaving Simon Katich wondering if his partner had retired.

These two isolated incidents paint a picture of how much sporting success means to the individual, the team and the country. Whether it is on a local football field, on a regional basketball court or on the biggest sporting stage in the world, passion is stirred and served.

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