Winning Graciously

After watching a classic 5 set match in the men’s Australian Open tournament, my respect for Roger Federer grew by leaps and bounds. It was not only the quality of tennis, but the grace with which he accepted the winners trophy that was heart warming.

In our “in your face” culture where winners gloat, and ridicule those who lose, Rogers spoke eloquently about how tennis was a tough sport, and how he would have been comfortable sharing the trophy with his worthy opponent — Rafael Nadal — if it was an option.

He spoke from the heart, and his sincerity was refreshing. Sports teaches us a lot about life — about winning gracefully and losing equally graciously.

Now why can’t our politicians show a touch of class?