I’d be taken with this story regardless of where I lived. But it’s especially compelling to me as someone who shares Watson’s hometown. I’ve followed his career
since I was old enough to read a sports page. My dad’s roofing company even worked on Watson’s house. He’s beloved here for his fabulous career, his longtime support of Children’s Mercy Hospital and his reputation as a decent guy.Not far from Scotland, another amazing sports story unfolds. Lance Armstrong is in the hunt for an eighth Tour de France victory. It wasn’t enough that he win the Tour after beating cancer. It wasn
’t enough to win it seven straight times. Now, he’s trying to win it at 37 years old.As I get older, I’m ever more amazed by the power of athletics to uplift the spirit. Who can say how many people around the world are inspired tonight by Tom Watson? And how about Armstrong, whose image has helped raised millions of dollars for cancer research. Think about that. A man who rides a bike faster than most is able to stimulate such an outpouring.
I shake my head when I hear of local television news stations cutting newscast time allotted to sports, or cutting the sports department entirely. Because stories like Watson’s and Armstrong’s happen in towns all over the country. I know it because I once seeked those stories out as a local sportscaster. I hate knowing they may not be reported, that they might not have the chance to inspire.
Tomorrow, I’m going to get up at the crack of dawn and bike a bit. (Frankly, I’m not sure I ever would’ve started biking if it weren’t for Lance Armstrong.) Then, I’m going to plop down on the couch and watch Armstrong ride from Pontarlier to Verbier. And I’ll stay on that couch to see if Watson can win his most improbable major yet.
I don’t know if either man will be able to will their aging bodies to victory. But I do know I’ll be inspired as I watch them try.
My parents were academic types so I didn't grow up with sports, and my personal athletic ability is - uh - minimal. Make that non-existent. So I didn't give sports much thought until I had my own kids, who got involved in pretty much every sport available to them. That was when I saw the value of athetic endeavor as they learned the importance of practice, teamwork, focus and doing their best. I have permanent bleacher butt from attending all their t-ball, track, basketball, volleyball, soccer, football and wrestling events, but those were some of my fondest memories as a parent.
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