We like to obsess over stats or pontificate about why
England’s backs lack creativity. It puts a downer on our weekend if our team
lose to their hated rivals. The tragic death of Phil Hughes of course puts
things in perspective.
The capacity of Bernard Hopkins to defy age, and often much younger
opposition, has been superhuman. Until
last month. Kovalev won every round of
their unification bout, & B-Hop took heavy punishment in the 12th. You hope
he retires now, with his senses still intact.
Roger Federer, especially in the early part of his career, also
seemed to have a superhuman ability- to avoid injury. Latterly he’s not been
immune, and after a gruelling semi versus Wawrinka was not fit for the final of
Masters. A few days rest for his back did the trick however, & this time he
was teamed with Stan the Man for the Davis Cup final. Federer split his singles
matches, but the back was strong enough for him to partner Stan to win the
doubles rubber & the Cup on the Sunday. Only Olympic singles gold is now
missing from Roger’s CV.
Talking of obsessing over statistics. Real Madrid are
currently on a club record 17 match win streak. Los Blancos had a patchy start
to La Liga but clearly Ancelotti has now found the right blend for his Galacticos.
