This past weekend, champions were crowned in the sports world. PGA golfer Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland, age 42, won his first, ever, major tournament on Sunday, finishing three strokes ahead of the field. In Women’s World Cup soccer, Japan defeated the United States for its first ever World Cup championship.
DARREN CLARKE IN THE 2011 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
With Tiger Woods’ absence from the 2011 Open Championship due to injury, golf is in greater need of a compelling story than it usually is during a major tournament. After Rory McIlroy’s dominating run at the U.S. Open in June, many eyes were on him for an encore in the British Open. However, McIlroy never mounted a significant challenge for the lead. Instead, Clarke unexpectedly roared out to an early lead after the first two rounds, and would play a game of cat and mouse with American Phil Mickelson during the next two rounds. On Sunday, Clarke completed the improbable goal of winning the Open Championship, by several strokes.
If Darren Clarke won his first major at age 42, it is possible he may never win another during his career. Still, Clarke gave real-life meaning to the expression, “Better late than never,” Being in my mid-30s, I personally am encouraged by examples of how the best has yet to come for a man competing in a game in which the competitors utilize strength and endurance in addition to skill. Golf is a sport in which older participants can compete, but, like all sports, those possessing youth have an inherent advantage.
 |
| 2011 Open Championship Winner Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland 1 |
THE AMERICAN WOMEN'S WORLD CUP TEAM
A few hundred miles away from the British Open, in Germany, the United States women’s team captured the interest of sports fans all across America during its fantastic run to the finals. The #1 ranked Americans earned a dramatic victory in the World Cup Quarterfinals against Brazil with an Abby Wambach goal in the 122nd minute of play to force penalty kicks. After a Hope Solo save during the penalty kick phase, the Americans were able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, win the match on penalty kicks and outlast the Brazilians.
Similar drama unfolded on Sunday. Securing late one goal leads in regulation and in extra time, the Japanese penetrated the American defense and, twice, tied the score and survived, forcing penalty kicks. The Americans, however, did not have great fortunes during the penalty kick phase, missing their first two shots and digging themselves into a deep hole from which they could not recover.
In spite of the disappointment, the American women, in a country that watches relatively few women’s sporting events and very little soccer, made many casual soccer observers into fans of their team and stimulated interest in their sport. That is not necessarily an easy task, in a nation with an insatiable appetite for the sports that it traditionally follows (such as baseball and golf), played by men. In its run for a third World Cup, the American women inspired soccer fans, provided a rallying point for America and its sports fans, and provided a model that could inspire aspire young female athletes across the country.
 |
| Abby Wambach's goal in extra time appeared to seal a World Cup victory for the U.S. 2 |
AN INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND
This past weekend offered inspiration to sports fans. It offered inspiration in victory from a salt-and-peppered man in his forties who demonstrated the value of persistence and perseverance. It offered inspiration, in spite of defeat, from a group of vibrant, energetic and dedicated young women who captured the attention of the masses through one of the least likely mediums in women’s soccer.
Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!
To advertise in The Daily Hat Trick, or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.
1) Image from newyork.cbslocal.com
2) Image from espn.com
No comments:
Post a Comment