The Day A New Era In British Tennis History Inspired Me – Wimbledon 2016

Rising to the challenge when it matters

After a disappointing Euro 2016 England campaign, the nation's hope fully rested on Andy Murray, the top British seed tennis player. And he did not disappoint. Because he beat Milos Roaich to win the men's 2016 Wimbledon championship on 10 July 2016. The victory provided the inspiration so needed by the nation after a series of unpleasant events.

Tennis Court

For the inspirational Murray, this is the third grand slam of his career. And the world number two seed beat Milos Roaich in three straight-sets 6-4, 7-6, and 7-6 to win his second grand slam at Wimbledon.

This was Milos Roanic's first grand slam final and he too wanted to win badly. He used every arsenal at his disposal. He employed massive serves, made a number of short drops and smashed when the opportunity came. But he couldn't match the return power of the unmovable Andy Murray, who dug deep, winning the important points when it mattered.

Andy Murray went into the Wimbledon's final as the favourite after Novak Dzokovic, the first seed was dismissed earlier on in the game by Sam Querrey. So, all expected Murray to win but the win needed to be proven.

Proven because he was going to be facing a player who had eliminated Roger Federer earlier. And everyone knows that anyone with the capacity to beat the veteran Federer is not going to be an easy contender or a walk-over.

But Murray was prepared. And Murray was on fire. And we could see it from his game, outmanoeuvring Roanic in his manner of play. A very strong Murray, at the very top of his game was too much for the Canadian and broke his serve in the very first set of the game. The British number one's big serve, his unmatched ability in returning first serving, and the capacity to control the game when it mattered was impeccable.

Murray to me is arguably the greatest and best ever British player of recent times. He has ushered in a new era of British tennis. Even on the few occasions that his serving was threatened, he demonstrated character. Riding on the passion of the crowd, Murray always stayed with his game plan to retake control.

An emotional Murray reflected soberly on his achievement in his seat immediately after the game. Humbled by the experience, he waived as he proceeded to give his vote of thanks. Taking the time to appreciate the crowd who cheered him all the way and spurred him on to this great feat. He has done British tennis proud once again.

It is not often we get the opportunity to witness the making of a great champion. A great leader, one that rises to the challenge when it matters. And one that is not afraid to take the risk. And we must take the time to savour this great moment of history. So, what has been your inspiration in recent times? And who has inspired you?

How Rio De Jeneiro Brought Down The 2016 Olympic Curtain In An Epic Style

After years of anticipation and speculation, months of expectation and weeks of competition,  the city of Rio De Janeiro brought down the Olympic curtain with a colourful display of fireworks, samba dance and street-style carnival dancing.

Fireworks

The games which had initially been overshadowed by Zika virus concerns and drug allegations and had led to a blanket ban on Russia Paralympics ended when the flame was extinguished by a simulated rain,  and the flag was handed over to the governor of Tokyo.

The 2016 games saw many highlights, where titles were defended and new champions crowned, as long-standing  records were smashed and new ones established.

The United States of America topped the medals table with 46 golds. But perhaps, the most exciting news was Great Britain who won 27 gold medals beating the Chinese by a medal and surpassing their 2012 total medal gain by 2.

Names like Adam Peaty of Great Britain and Michael Phelps of the  United States of America were among the wonder workers. They smashed existing records and set new records in swimming. Andy Murray, Nichola Adams, Usain Boat and Mo Farah are among others who made history by retaining their titles. The Great Britain cycling team too did a wonderful job of clinching many medals. Fiji rugby players in the Ruby 7 and the Great Britain women's hockey team include those who were crowned new champions.

But there were disappointments too. The two-time champion, Jessica Ennis failed to retain her title, settling for a silver medal in her competition. And Tom Daley, the British diver who had topped the heat in the individual competition failed to qualify for the real business. Then the British 4X4 relay team were disqualified.

Following that legendary performance, Usain Bolt cast a dark shadow on the sports by announcing his retirement from the games. And Jessica Enis hinted her departure too. But with some of these great athletes disappearing from the games radial, what is  2020 competition going to be like?

Well, after his speech, the International Olympic President handed transferred the Olympic flag to the governor of Tokyo. And Tokyo provided a glimpse of the coming attraction with the president of Tokyo descending into the stadium as the character, Super Mario. This was followed by a display of performance by Tokyo, providing the taste of what lied ahead.

After the  national anthem, the IOC president presented a delegation of 6 volunteers with the Olympic cup on behalf of the nation of IOC. Then the party started, bringing the two and half weeks of  competition, drama, passion and a few marriage proposal to a great and jubilant end.        

                                   

And if at the beginning of the competition there were any doubts of Brazil hosting the event to perfection, Brazil has in the end silenced her critiques in a much stylished manner. Well done Rio De Jeneiro.

The Year of The Underdog - England

Football Game

Two pundits sat analysing with great passion the Euro 2016 game between Belgium and Wales. It was the match in which Belgium, the 2^nd highest rank football team in the world was beaten 3 goals to 1. It was exhilarating, for I watched the match. It was exhilarating because the dragon (Wales) who for close to 60 years has been slumbering was rising, and it's rumbling effect was being felt across the Euro 2016 tournament neighbourhood.

It was exhilarating because even when the Welsh team were down by a goal, they showed an incredible strength of character. With calm-resolution and forbearance, they possessed their souls. Controlling the ball with precision, passing it from one player to the other, it was such a delightful sight to behold. It was a win they well deserved.

And while the pundits reflected on the glorious goals netted by the team, and the skill and ingenuity displayed against the cream of the crop players, one analyst asked,

'what happened?'

'It's the year of the underdog', the second replied.

Hmm! 'the year of the underdog'. I soliloquised. Partially tempted to agree with the pundit, I paused, thought for a moment and concluded the analyst was without doubt right. It's after all, 'the year of the underdogs'. And if you are in any case doubtful, and if you want proof, here is your proof.

In just one year, we have witnessed more than enough fairy tales in UK. First Leicester FC, a football club who at the brink of relegation a year before, wins the premiership league. Then the Brexit camp, the underdog wins the referendum for UK to exit the European union.

As if that isn't enough for one country, Iceland football team, an inexperienced bunch of players, from a country nearly 'the size of Leicester, as one person puts it, dumps England out of the Euro 2016 tournament denying them  the pleasure of reaching the knockout stage. Then, Wales sees off one of the best football teams in football to reach the semi finals for the first time in decades.

Still want more evidence? Here is more evidence. A lower seed tennis player beats the top seed 6-7 1-6 6-3 6-7 to deny him the opportunity of winning the Wimbledon tournament this year. And if this is still not enough, check out what happened in rugby, for there was another upset there too.

So, what do you think? Is this 'the year of the underdog' or what? The message is, keep your dreams alive.

10 Things Euro 2016 And The England Football Team Taught Me

Ever wondered why England was dumped out of Euro 2016 so early in the tournament? Same here! Luckily, I managed to harvest some seeds of wisdom from the experience. But with all their impressive qualification record and a talented team selected on the basis of merit, one is bound to wonder.

Wonder because their impeccable qualification campaign had built excitement, and even I the occasional football observer was delighted for them. Fans were not only excited but expectant and full of high hopes. After all ,it's been almost 50 years since The Three Lions earned their world cup glory.

Not that fans expected them to win, al though some secretly fancied the idea. But that would be too much asking. After all, this is England team we are talking about. And the country was featuring a young squad, perhaps the youngest featured team in their history.

But at least The Three Lions were expected to reach the knockout stages. In their first match, they played well, wielded high possession, and dominated the game. Nature was good in rewarding them an early goal. They held off the opposition working tirelessly, and were almost getting used to the idea of taking away 3 points from their first game when Russia equalised in injury time. Oh what an agony I felt, as 3 points turned to 1.

The Three Lions showed little mercy to their brethren in their second game, beating the Dragon who after a long sleep had waken to qualify for Euro 2016. The score, 2-1 to England. The result was no surprise. Wales were the under dogs. England was expected to win.

Playing against Iceland in their last group stage match was almost like being handed an automatic ticket to the elimination phase. So what went wrong? England took the lead with a goal in the first half and within minutes Iceland equalised. It did not take long for Iceland to net a second goal.

The Three Lions battled to re-establish their lead but it was not to be. The underdogs had stolen the crown. A nation the size of Leicester had stolen the glory from a much deserved team. Much deserved because Iceland was an inexperience team, much deserved because England had a greater ball possession rate and much deserved because England dominated most of the time.

It was a bitter disappointment, as dejected fans watched their crown snatched from them. And their lions turned into sheep in a most unkind circumstance. I also felt the pain but it forced me to question what had happen. So here are 10 things I leant from the Euro 2016 and the England team.

• That skills and good performance does not always equal success
• That you can only prepare and hope things go your way
• That you don't under any circumstance under estimate your opponent no matter how small or inexperience they are. Remember the story of David and Goliath in the Bible?
• That you respect every opponent because you don't know what they've got.
• That it's not enough to have ability, you need staying power.
• That you don't only need staying power but the ability and quality to finish
• That it's better to be hopeful rather than expectant in certain situations even if you've done your home work
• That there is always an appointed time
• That skill and opportunity does not mean automatic success, there are other factors
• That it's a huge mistake to place confidence in abilities

But regardless of Euro 2016 results, we are always hopeful, and we are always confident that The Three Lions would rise again. After all, they are lions! Aren't they? What about you? Did you learn any thing from Euro 2016 games?