Monthly Archives: August 2009

Its defeat that takes Phelps to greater heights!!

Michael PhelpsDefeat – That’s the best thing that could ever happen to Michael Phelps! The above statement isn’t an irony, but the true fact that acts as the sole cause behind all the victories, this swimmer with a 6ft-7in arm-span, has achieved over the years. Although Phelps’s defeat to Paul Biedemann was something bitter to accept, it was the only fact and pressure that drove Phelps through the next five days winning all the four races he swam in.
When you are at the top of the world, it does seem to look like you don’t have anyone skilled enough to bring you down. But its natural human desire to forget the truth that “Appearances can deceive!!” And that’s the same case with Phelps though he might not accept it for the moment. After eight golds in 2008, it was of course a grand opening for Phelps. With almost the whole crowd waiting for his show, it was really a wave of shock to see him lag behind. But that in no way made him setback during the rest of the matches. at 12, Phelps was beat by a kid in 200m freestyle. But he didn’t give. It was the bur inside him that set him win five medals. And that’s what happened this time too! When Phelps was exposed to reality by his defeat, he didn’t explode but had his burn set him right that led him win all the four medals left out! In every race its not the opponents that Phelps plays against but Phelps himself!!

Pellegrini : The New Italian Diva!!

Federica PellegriniPellegrini – the most applauded sports star of Italy who has turned out to be the new Diva with the whole nation celebrating her victory, doesn’t seem to have come from a past that was anywhere close to a cakewalk. Having entered the pool at the age of 16, this Italian swimmer does promise skills of high quality and uniqueness, achieved through years of patience and endurance.
Having been in the pool for almost 6 years and in the international pools ever since her 16s, this Italian has evolved to be the best of the achievers in the recent past. With her recent record breaking performance at the World Championships at Rome this year, Pelegrini has achieved the hearts of almost the whole of Italy. The sound of the crowd that cheers at her swimming is 10 times louder than usual. The fact that not many overseas fans make a trip to swimming championships became almost an irony when she appeared at the championships at Rome this year. She became the world champion in 400m freestyle, becoming the first woman to break the four minute barrier at the distance. Though she has been facing several hardships in the recent past due to her asthmatic problems, this agile swimmer doesn’t seem to give up. Despite her loss at 400m final in Beijing in 2008, the place that she has achieved makes it a picture clear journey of passion and endurance that she has undergone to stand up against the tides. Before her 400m final at Rome, all that she had in mind was to “Pull the tooth and forget the pain”. Definitely she has risen against the odds and made herself the most celebrated Italian darling at last!

Jack of All Trades – Andrew Flintoff!!

Andrew FlintoffPlaying up against all tides, England’s enthusiastic show by ending up the first match in a draw and winning the second does surely reveal the fact that she is working hard to repeat the glory days of 2005 frame by frame. With Andrew Flintoff leading them from the front, the England team has been in the limelight of victory with her slow but steady achievements and establishments in the last 10 years.
Flintoff’s way of game has been entirely different from the way others do – for the sole reason behind his playing is that he plays only for FUN and nothing more. Having declared that he would not play Test cricket after this season, Flintoff has thousands of stories spinned up regarding his withdrawal. While some say that he has declared so only to be the part of a plot to be at the centre of every celebration, Flintoff’s career is of utmost importance for his spirit and inspiration he has brought to the team over the years. Despite all the money and the awards, cricket has given him, Flintoff still plays cricket the way it is meant to be – humble and gentle with respect for his opponents. Ever since Bobby Simpson first set his eyes on his blows, and from the minute David Lloyd first thought that this lad can bowl a heavy ball and hit a huge six, Flintoff – the natural cricketer has always made his presence felt in every part of the game. Inspite of all his injuries, he promises to play at the Oval sweeping all odds before him.

Sania – with new aims for US Open

sania-mirza1Sania Mirza – the prestigious player who has established herself in International matches, earning an adorable level of honor and respect for all the woman players representing India is set once for all again with a lot of aspirations and ambitions to face the US Open this time. Having been engaged to Sohrab Mirza, Sania says all the assumptions that she would quit the sport in account of her marriage, is nothing more than wild speculation. “I’ve got a lot of tennis left in me”, said Sania.
Sania happens to be India’s best-ever tennis player to have won a Grand Slam title by partnering with Mahesh Bhupathi in the year 2009. Her obligation to the game looks like a surprise to anyone who sees her first. Despite so many injuries – one even forcing her to stay out of the court for almost six months, she continues her training with Sohrab accompanying her these days. The ace tennis woman seems to have developed on her game pretty well and she says that she has got a wonderful feel back despite her hectic schedule. Significantly her WTA ranking doesn’t seem to affect her much for she says that she is satisfied with the way her game now is. She looks optimistic regarding the US Open. “It hasn’t always been easy for an Indian player to compete with world standards, but thanks to the commitment of my parents, I’ve been able to reach these heights with a fair degree of success”, says Sania with loads of gratitude, looking forward for a brighter future.

Chaminda Vaas announces his retirement from tests

VassChaminda Vaas, an outstanding player of the Srilankan team who has been a great example of inspiration, spirit and enthusiasm for every cricket lover in every corner of the country and of course all over the world, declared officially his retirement from Test Cricket after his third and final match against Pakistan. However he said he wishes to continue playing ODIs and Twenty20 till the 2011 World Cup. This 35 year old left armed fast bowler’s decision to retire from Test cricket came days after his inclusion in the Srilankan team for final test.
De Mel, the chief selector, announced that Vaas would retire from tests soon. Though Vaas said he did not intend retiring soon, his announcement regarding his retirement left most of his fellow team members bit struck in sorrow for it was hard for them to realize the fact that Vaas was leaving. Having made his first debut against Pakistan in 1995, Vaas has played 110 matches for Srilanka, taking 354 wickets, making him the second highest wicket scorer in Srilanka after Muttiah Muralidharan who has his own record of 770. Having been on the field for almost 14 years, this cricket aspirant has contributed the best of his bowling skills for the team and has been the winning factor in most of the matches. Sangakkara, the Srilankan captain was all in praise for the bowler stating that he’s true champion and it would take years and years for others to reach the standards he has set, for he is a true legend of the game.