At these days in Russia everybody discusses Maria Sharapova's victory at Wimbledon. She not only beat Serena Williams to win the Wimbledon title; she pushed aside some of Russia's top political and business news.
What do you guys think about all this?
Unfortunately I'm not into sport that much. And I don't watch it, and I don't even have no TV set at home...
But anyway congratulations to Maria Sharapova and to all Russia:))))
I don't watch any sports either Marinka. AS a matter of fact I have not paid much attention to tennis since the days when the australians were on top. I can only assume from your post that a Russian is now on the top. If that is so then it pleases me. I think that far too much time and money is invested in American youth just to make them good at sports.
Man I will agree to a point on sports for american youth, most parents are trying to live vicariously through their children because they are frustrated athletes. But in the right environment, sports are a great teacher for discipline, heart and character. I played three sports in high school, football, baseball and hockey. I received a scholarship in football to a small college and was severely injured my freshman year, end of football for me, but I would not trade a moment I had playing football for all the money in the world. My daughter
wanted to play sports, but I didn't encourage it. If she wanted to play I would help her and support her, but it was not a requirement in our home. I was lucky, my Father didn't push sports on me, but I grew up in a small town and it was either that or hanging out on the corner. I chose sports.
On a funny note the lady I've been corresponding with and meeting in November is a former basketball player, she's 5'11" tall and said she would love to play against me. I'm a little nervous, I still shoot a lot and play some, but how would you go back and tell you buddies that a lady blocked your jumpshot????
Nas,
Very easy, lol...tell your buddies you were playing with one hand tied behind your back...:))
Marinka,
Maria Sharapova not only won Wimbledon, she did it by outgunning stroke by stroke one of the three most powerful women in tennis today.
Nobody ever beat Serena Williams 6-1 in any set she has ever played professionally in Wimbledon until she met this beautiful long legged 17 year old russian creature.
But don't turn Sharapova's victory into a national achievment for Russia, OK....This kid became the tennis wonder she is now only after she moved to Florida and entered two of the most prestigious american tennis academies in Tampa and California.
The family story behind her is also a remarkable example of family unity, love, self discipline, loyalty and perseverance.
I hope success helps her family enhance everything good they have already shown.
Actually the point of my post was not to knock kids playing sports but the machine behind american athletes. It is very hard for smaller and poorer countries to compete with the amount of training and coaching that is available to American kids. There would be a lot more noteable athletes from around the world if they all had the same oppertunity for training. This is not to say that i agree with putting kids through this type of training either. Thats all!
"....It is very hard for smaller and poorer countries to compete with the amount of training and coaching that is available to American kids....."
Why criticize the very system that provides the opportunity for training to those with natural talent, regardless of origin...??
There are a gazillion examples of athletes from all over the world who have benefited from the US and other "sports machines", as you call it.
The primary ingredients needed for any athlete to reach the level of achievement the Sharapovas, Akeem Alowjowan, Lance Armstrong and thousands of others reach are not limited to the sport machine behind them or even their own natural talent.
Self discipline and burning desire by each individual are the most valuable condiments to cook a successful story on any field, not just sports.
I think it was great news that she won, even better that she beat a Williams sister. I was wandering when that would happen. Puts a smile on my face everytime I think that such a young talented Russian lady did it. My lady was surprised when I brought it up because she did not realize it was big news here in the US as well. I hope she has a long career ahead of her =)
I think her father was more happy than she was! Was a great moment to see the happiness on both their faces.
Crash,
Her father's overwhelming reaction over his baby's win is understandable...never underestimate a father's pride.
Besides, Maria knew that someday she'd win Wimbledon since age 10, her father didn't. At least, not with the same conviction as hse did.
Congratulations to Maria Sharapova!!!!!! Underdog Vs. champion. She totally dominated Serena Williams. At her very young age she should be a dominate force in women's tennis for years to come. It was big news here if you happen to watch sport channels. I always seem to root for the underdog in any big sporting event.
I wasn't being critical of your statment, I agree, but the true value of sports has been lost in the states. I have friends that spend thousands of dollars sending their kids to various camps. When it gets to that level I feel kids lose the enjoyment of sports. A child will make the decision if he wants to really become a competitive athlete or not. In the 70's sports camps weren't as popular as they are now. I wonder how many football camps Walter Payton went to? Probably none. And he ended up a pretty decent player (sarcasm). It's all about the love and the heart of an individual for their particular sport.
Camps are nothing more than tools to help those with already identified natural talents.
LOL..in some cases camps are used to get rid of the brats for a couples of weeks
Yes I agree Toad. I do understand her fathers pride as I have a daughter as many of us here do too, I understand his feelings completely.
When I met my ladys father, I seen the pride in his eyes when he looked at her and whenever he spoke about her to me. I think all us dads feel the same about our little girl(s). No matter how old they are they will always be our little ladies..
"...But don't turn Sharapova's victory into a national achievment for Russia, OK....This kid became the tennis wonder she is now only after she moved to Florida and entered two of the most prestigious american tennis academies in Tampa and California"
Toad,
You are right. I acceot that fact, but being Russian I am very happy and proud for her!
Maybe he's just a little bit jealous? LOL Maria was representing Russia so that's good enough for me! She kicked Serena's butt badly and deserves all the credit for herself and for Russia.
Dale,
It's her trophy, her achievement and she is entitled to give credit to whoever she damn pleases, lol....those of us who know how tennis stars are developed know who and what brought her where she is right now.
Jealousy has no bearing on this. Serena is not my kid, lol...
The most exciting thing about this, is the prospect of many new fun tennis rivalries....you got the russian young women, the proven sisters, the belgium girls, mauresmo and davenport still play great if they're healthy.
I just wish 'horse face' cappriati would retire once and for all. She is the most despicable spoiled rotten and disrespectful example of what american women are all about...uuuggghh.