Sporting idols

As part of its World Cup coverage, the BBC was running a poll for the greatest (World Cup, I think) player. Names included the usual suspects like Pele, Maradona, the Kaiser, Bobby Moore, Johan Cruyff, etc. My immediate response was Maradona.

Having seen his animated and hysterical celebrations in the stands life seems to have come full circle for him. I could support Argentina only to see his celebrations continue in the stands!

Going back to the choice, there were 2 reasons I could think of. One, he single handedly carried the Argentines to the summit of football. I am not doubting the greatness of any of the other candidates. Pele had the likes of Socrates, Garincha and Carlos Alberto in his side for company. Maradona was a one man team.

The second reason is his personality. For the infamous 'Hand of God' goal there is arguably one of the best World Cup goals ever scored. And both in the same game! His genius was accompanied by frailties. Although he took that to the extreme with his rock n roll life style.

We as people are not perfect and all have deficiencies. My list of favourite sports personalities have never been perfect. Far from. Roy Keane, Eric Cantona, Marat Safin and Ajay Jadeja amongst a few. They have all had the talent to be the best. But accompanied along with it were a nasty streak, weaknesses and frailties. Keanes tackle on Alfe Halaand, Cantonas kungfu kick at a fan, Jadejas brush with match fixing and Safins constant on court temperamental issues.

People like Pele and Tendulkar have achieved a God-like status for their achievements. They seem to be flawless. Thats something we can only aspire to be and thus can only look up to. My intention is not to belittle any of their achievements. But sometimes its a form of escapism and seems out of touch with reality. Its not something I can relate to. They seem to be perfect in everything.

Sportsman who have had fallibilities have always been more alluring to me. Perhaps I relate to them because I am not perfect as well. Perhaps I look for a touch of realism in everything I see, be it cinema or sport. Perhaps thats the reason why neutrals may choose Brian Lara over Sachin Tendulkar. Perhaps thats why John McEnroe connected so well with the crowds.