The Tale of Two Images: Donald Trump and Kate Middleton

We live in a 24-hour news cycle and still, news is always breaking. Or let me put this into the double negative—news is never not breaking. Regardless, certain stories rise above the fray. Some matters are more newsworthy than others. They capture our attention and characterize our conversation....and they should. We listen and lean in to learn more. We seek to understand. We celebrate and grieve. We question and ponder. How do you make sense of current events? What helps you process?

I talk to people I trust. I listen to podcasts and read from certain web sources. Social media offers information (and misinformation), video reels and reports and photographs. Images are not in short supply and yet, like the news stories, certain ones capture a moment or a feeling. They stay with us and have helped me make sense of the world today. Such is the story of two contrasting pictures that punctuated news of this past weekend. They feature two very different events and people: Donald Trump and Princess Catherine.

The first was taken following the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening on July 13, 2024.

After shots were fired by the lone gun man, Trump was immediately rushed offstage to his motorcade, with blood visible on his right ear and streaking across his cheek. He pumped his fists and shouted “Fight!” to the crowd before being driven away. This image quickly emerged as the visual cover to this story. Many of his supporters continue to promulgate it for the message its sends is unapologetic. 

In my class, I offer a number of definitions of the word "spiritual" or "spirituality." A fair question to ask is Is this image spiritual? Strangely enough, I think it is.

I see a man who is downright defiant. He was given a chance to defer to the secret service—to emerge vulnerable and show fear. Instead, he makes a point to react with resistance. He is not humble; he is angry. Perhaps his approach appeals to you. It's possible that you want a Commander in Chief like this. I think it could be different. What do you see?

According to Ron Rohlheiser, spirituality how we channel our longings—our eros. It is a powerful force. It is not always "kumbaya," or static or staid. This image is spiritual because it lends insight into DJT's desire....and desire is not always a good thing.

Less than 24 hours later, a very different image emerged as Kate Middleton walked into Centre Court at the Wimbledon Championship. As written in People

As they took their seats in the front row of the Royal Box, the crowd rose to their feet, giving Princess Kate a standing ovation. Princess Charlotte beamed with pride at her mom, who waved with a smile, visibly moved. The applause resonated deeply, marking a rare and emotional public appearance for Kate amid her cancer treatment.

Karwai Tang, the photographer who captured the sweet moment, tells PEOPLE: “When [Kate] usually comes in, she walks down the steps and into her seat. She doesn’t normally stand and wave. But she stood for a while and took it all in. For her to acknowledge it and take in the applause was special."

She could have really extended the applause (see the reel and you will notice this moment is brief). Instead, she chose to take a seat and let the day be about the competition. In this moment, it's hard to see Kate as anything other than a mom, a sister, and a beloved public figure. I think the tears that filled my eyes as I watched this unfold confirm that it too, it spiritual.

Tennis fans like me wondered if she would make it to the tourney. With her husband and son in Germany for the EuroCup finals to support England, Kate, her sister Pippa and daughter Charlotte had a great girls' day out. Would have been awesome for them to be at the women's final as well. With Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova in the stands, tennis royalty was there instead. Here's to next year.

In her own unassuming way, Kate is a powerful force. Her smile, humility and kindness magnify her beauty. What do you see?

The image of Donald Trump doesn't tell the story of the two lives lost on that day. I listened to the New York Times' "The Daily" podcast, The attempted assassination of Donald Trump. to make more sense of it all.

As the synopsis states: "Doug Mills, a photographer for The Times, recounts what it was like to witness the shooting, and Glenn Thrush, who covers gun violence for The Times, discusses the state of the investigation into the man who did it."

Ten minutes into it, I had to hit pause and stop listening. The reality of gun violence in this country is too upsetting and real. Sadly, we know how this story ends. 

Conversely, the image of Kate doesn't tell the story of those who might not return to our public places and our favorite spaces after a cancer diagnosis. What that we could not give them, their family members and caregivers a standing ovation as well. 

The adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" remains true—but that's not where the story ends. Let us give voice to what we see. Explain how an image makes you feel and discuss why that feeling is important. Was do you want to remember? What might be hard to forget? Is it spiritual? Why or why not?

Photo Credits
DJT
KM

My Wimbledon Story

I've been to my fair share of remarkable live sporting events. Not one however has prompted the reaction as what I have gotten from attending the 2023 Wimbledon Championship. Without fail, sharing news of my travel to London for the third Grand Slam of the year has been met with of joy and wonder, questions and comments. I had no idea.

Unlike many fans, Wimbledon was not a "bucket list" item for me. I say that, because I don't subscribe to the Bucket List Theory. I didn't tell many people I was going to Wimbledon. For my own reasons, I kept my purple and green cards close to my chest. It's all part of my Wimbledon story, and I've come to believe other people have their own. So let this post serve as just that...and please know, if you have been—I will ask you your Wimbledon story and for those who go in the future, expect the same.

Starting point. I grew up on Wimbledon Road. I'm not joking. Unlike my last name, I never had to tell anyone how to spell my street. I wore that address: 535 Wimbledon Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 like it was a badge of honor; it was a point of pride. I fell in love with tennis at the age of 12. Wimbledon was just one reason why. 

Unhappy Christmas. My 2022 holiday season was devoid of much cheer. In light of that sad state, I decided to plan for something big come summer vacation 2023. I wasn't sure if I had already cashed in those chips with an epic golf trip to Ireland—with 13 other women for two weeks. Given my bout with COVID and paying for 12 rounds of golf, only to play 10, I figured why not give it another go (total first world problem, yes but those rounds were not a) refunded or b) cheap!)

Wimbledon wasn't my first choice in terms of summer travel. I was hoping to get to Roland Garros for the French Open. The timing of the French coincided with some obligations I had at Notre Dame for Reunion weekend. I was hoping to get from Chicago to Paris but things just didn't fall into place. Stade Roland Garros awaits!  

But a few weeks later, my former colleague and good friend Bill told me about his summer plans. He was leading a group of Ignatian educators on the Camino de San Ignacio. His wife Mary and son (Mary was also a former colleague and dear friend) were going to meet him in Spain. From there, they decided to visit Paris and London—just in time for the Round of 16 at Wimbledon. Considering that it's better to attend in pairs, I joined to make the odds even. 

At Indian Wells in 2009

InfoHound. When it comes to attending a live sporting event, I love nothing more than sitting next to someone who thoroughly knows and understands the game. In short, I am a total InfoHound. If you can offer both technical and personal insight, I'm your girl.

Bill and I taught together in the Religious Studies Department at St. Ignatius. He was the girls' and boys' tennis coach, I coached cross country. At the advent of each school year is the US Open. I learned to never indicate who won a match from those late night, under the lights contests in NYC unless he had already seen it. I rarely watch what I tape; Bill is different

In 2009, we went to what is known as the "Fifth Grand Slam" at Indian Wells. It was at this tourney that I first declared he should consider a career as an announcer. I knew taking in Wimbledon together would be first rate. Furthermore, I knew his stories from having been in the past. There is something to be said for prior knowledge and experience to navigate ticking at the All England Lawn and Tennis Club (AELTC). I hope info on this blog will be of some help.

BreakPoint. While people have lauded Full Swing, the Netflix series about professional men's golf, BreakPoint seems to have landed differently. In what is now a two part series on professional men's AND women's tennis, I watched the first five episodes with great anticipation. As much as I really struggle with him, I am a bit of a Krygios fan. I love Nadal and Berrettini. I was excited to learn more about Jabeur and Tomljanović—the woman who took down Serena in the 2022 US Open—but a few of the featured profiles on the show.

Truth be told, it turned me off from today's game—big time. Consequently, I was less excited to go to Wimbledon. I found the players to be one dimensional and super selfish. While they noted self-serving tendencies to be a necessary evil, I couldn't get past how this played out in their lives. With the exception of Matteo Berrettini, who comes from a joyful and loving extended family and Ons—whose husband Karim has put his career at a distant second to hers—I started to question how an individual sport like tennis might be worth following. 

I wasn't as excited as I should have been for my trip. Thanks* BreakPoint. I mean that. Please note the asterisk.

Metanoia. Prior to my flight to London, I downloaded Season 2 of BreakPoint. I decided that watching the show could serve as preparation for what I would see. These episodes made the travel time fly by (pun intended). I found greater depth in each episode. Each profile offered something more. Those who I deemed shallow were much more complex and interesting. Those I loved, emerged as ever more human. I cannot tell you how many times I referenced what I learned in the color commentary between Bill, Mary, Liam and me in our time together. We are supposed to have a Zoom conference call after they watch the series.

Ballots 4013-4016! Mary is taking the photo, ballot in hand ;-) 

The Public Ballot, the queue, and the resale line. While many sports enthusiasts equate the likelihood of attending Wimbledon to The Masters—tradition, exclusivity and more— the ticketing system is far, far different. For those who want to go to in the future, let me be very clear: anyone can go to Wimbledon. Anyone.

If you are remotely interested, enter The Wimbledon Public Ballot. This will allow you the chance to purchase tickets at face value. This is an important place to start because there are three ticketed courts at the AELTC: Court One, Two and Centre Court. This ticket guarantees that you get onto the grounds and can view some of the premiere matches. Tickets are not exorbitant in price—just another appealing aspect of Wimbledon. 

Even if you don't get tickets early on through the Public Ballot, people post theirs for resale through this system. You will have to check and check often, but Bill secured two tickets on Court One this way. That was HUGE. We took turns in the seats while two others were watching the action on the outer courts.

It's worth noting, the culture of the ballot forbids a gross mark-up or as we say in San Francisco, "dynamic pricing." In recent years, I have been discouraged and disillusioned by the cost of professional sports. While getting to London might not be inexpensive, if you are there, Wimbledon is a price-worthy option. 

Because I did not have a ticket from the ballot, I arrived to The Queue with my crew at 6:45 a.m. Sunrise must have been around 6:00 a.m. so it was comfortable and felt safe to take the Tube to South Wimbledon stop, walk 15 minutes and take my queue number. I was 4016. We were able to purchase a grounds ticket at 11:45 for £27. This enabled me to pass through the tennis' heavenly gates. Best $40 US I've spent all summer.

So many Wimbledon attendees have their own queue story—and my sense is though the weather conditions vary, most people have what must be as pleasant an experience as waiting for a ticket can and should be. Bring cards, snacks, a blanket, sunscreen and settle in. This is a hopeful journey—the grass courts of the AELTC await.

And the resale line is magic—truly remarkable. It will open and it will close. I strongly recommend committing to getting into it, because the line DOES move. For £15 you will find yourself on Centre Court.

The Grounds: Alfredo, one of the trainers at my gym, told me about the energy of Wimbledon. It really is something. I would add that the magic and beauty of the grounds surpassed my expectations. Not only were they clean and vibrant, they were characterized by the reality that you might see just about anyone or anything. 

Wimbledon is a bee hive. Players have to walk to their courts from the central locker room. You might brush shoulders with a doubles' team that just won their match. I walked right by PGA golfer, Tommy Fleetwood. On Centre Court, I realized within nanoseconds that the very tall, black man in the suit was none other than the musician Seal. The Grounds at Wimbledon make for an interesting chapter in the Wimbledon story.

What's Wrong with you People? It's not surprising to a lot of people, but it was to me. The men and women working at Wimbledon were incredibly polite, accommodating and kind. For example, Centre Court is open for the public to view and take photos until 12:30. Mary and I arrived at 12:27 and were nearly begging to take a moment to behold the sacred ground. The guard and usher said "please come forward. Enjoy. You still have three minutes."

I'm so used to be told "no" and made to feel like my request is a massive imposition or that I am intruding that I had to recalibrate. Part of me wondered, in jest, "What is wrong with you people? You're so civil and accommodating?! And then I realized, treating others as you want to be treated, showing respect, and when people are polite, it's not hard to be polite in return are all much more than skills worth inculcating.

The Fans There should be a joke out there. A Philly fan walked into Wimbledon... punch line please?

Just as the staff was polite, so were the fans....and yet, they were so much more. Although phones are allowed, hardly anyone was on them. In fact, people weren't really talking during the matches. There was no music and very little advertising. The only sounds I heard were from the competition and from the fans as they responded to the match. You wouldn't ask the question: What's wrong with you people? because you can't answer it. The men, women and children in the seats are excellent fans. They clap and watch the match. I think of some of the foul language and lewd terms I've learned at professional sporting events—but not Wimbledon.

One of the more interesting attribute of fandom at Wimbledon however is that they will turn on a player. One person emerges as a crowd favorite. However, as one athlete is pulling away toward victory, the crowd will start cheering—not against that player—but for the other. Why? The crowd wants more tennis. To hear the words "Game. Set. Match" is to know the contest will end. As they say in England, "brilliant."

Mary took this shot from our seats on the Centre Court.

Centre Court: Intimate, striking and hallowed. In this space, it's hard not to understand you are somewhere very special. The Royal Box is up close, front and personal; its presence only adds to the allure (though I find it justifiable to be critical of it! AND to realize we have our own versions of them in the US). 

The only reason I got onto this court is because of Liam. He noticed the the resale line really was moving; he knew we had a chance. I give this 13 year old young man all the credit and props. His vision and desire made all the difference. Thanks, Liam!!

In Conclusion: Going to a place as special at Wimbledon prompts hundreds of emotions—joy, gratitude, awe and inspiration. I couldn't help but wish my parents were there with me or think about taking my nieces in the future. I recalled past championships—the dreams deferred and those that have been denied. I considered how amazing it would have been to see Venus and Serena win a title on a Saturday and return on Sunday for the Double's trophy. I hope to return and I think I will. I don't always feel that way after a great sports event. Yes, this was more than sufficient but the beauty of the grounds, the spirit of competition, the shared experience with a family—my friends, the unique flavor of each year makes for a new Wimbledon story. Consider writing your own...

Photo Credits
Royal Family
Break Point
Seal in the stands

Lesson from Wimbledon—A Reminder about the Importance of Equal Access

Though Pebble Beach has hosted other women's golf tournaments, the inaugural U.S. Women's Open at the iconic, majestic course took place July 3-6, 2023. So many people asked me if I was there. Others expected I would make the (short) trek to Monterey. Despite the fact I had an alibi, I felt badly I missed out. Why? Just a few weeks earlier, I traveled to Los Angeles for the Men's U.S. Open. I believe our pocketbooks and our calendars reveal what we value. I didn't want anyone to infer that I am not supportive of the women's game. 

My mom thinks men and women should receive the same trophy.
I find beauty in both. Thoughts?

I wasn't at the 78th US Women's Open because I was traveling to London for the Wimbledon Championships. This tourney offered me many insights, memorable moments, ideas and observations. And one of the most important is rooted in the fact I was able to see both men and women competing in the same sport. 

Sitting in a ticketed seat on Court One, my friends Bill, Mary, Liam and I saw three matches in a row. Daniil Medvedev won in just two sets because Jiri Lehecka withdrew, due to injury. This match on Court One was followed by Aryana Sabalenka defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-4, 6-0. I saw but one set of the Rune vs. Dimitrov match because Liam and I left to hit the Resale line to purchase a ticket Centre Court. 

Though I checked in on a number of matches on the outer courts throughout the day, the Sabalenaka match was my favorite. I love her game. An incredibly talented and emotional player, her athleticism and style of play speaks to me. Having watched "Break Point," I learned more about her personal story; I can't help but cheer for the Belarusian.

This experience at Wimbledon allowed me to see both the men's and women's game. One was not at the expense of the other. The simultaneous play of both draws extended equal access and visibility of the players/for the fans. NB: the semifinal and final matches take place on different days but for the majority of the tournament fans are privy to both. Furthermore, the men's doubles championship follows the women's on Saturday and the women's doubles championship follows the men's on Sunday—allowing for equal visibility as it's a singular ticketed event.

For quite some time, proponents of women's sport have called for much more than equal pay, access, resources and opportunity. Women's sports ought to have equal coverage, publicity and viewing opportunity. Though much has improved for women in sport, coverage remains limited.

In the article The disparity in women’s and men’s sports, Jennifer Bubel writes,

According to a study conducted by Purdue University in March 2021, coverage of women’s sports in the media has barely changed since the 1980s. The study found that in 2019, women’s sports coverage only totaled to 5.4% of airtime, as compared to the 5% in 1989 and 5.1% in 1993 - quite a small percentage of change. The Women’s World Cup accounted for a huge chunk of that percentage, as it drops to 3.5% when removed that year. The study also found that digital media coverage had the same disparity, despite the lack of time constraints.

Coverage and publicity is important because not only does it bring attention and awareness to the feat of women in sport, it affirms the athletes, promotes achievements, celebrates excellence and endears fans to players and teams. To see Ons Jabeur play tennis is to love her. To watch Ajla Tomljanovic defeat Serena Williams at the 2022 U.S. Open proves how valuable a good mentor can be (Chris Evert has stepped into this role for several female tennis players).

I believe one of the most important arguments for exposure to women's sports is that it shapes us—our eye, our understanding and our ears. Women's tennis is indeed different than men's tennis. Women's basketball, golf, gymnastics is too. While all fans have a preference for their favorite sport, team and athlete, I would argue we can all grow in our knowledge, understanding and appreciation of each game. One need not be at the expense of the other. This is not an either/or proposition...I see it as both/and.

Furthermore, I don't need women to hit as far, serve as fast, or jump as high. Maybe you do, but over time I have learned to value to nuances, differences and beauty of each game for what it is and who is playing it. For the record, the average speed for a first serve in men's tennis is 115 mph vs. 105 for women.

Wimbledon is no different than other Grand Slam events in tennis that host both men and women. The timing of this tourney and the U.S. Women's Open (one of the four majors in golf) only reminded me of what I already knew, but it also made me wonder: Why can't things can different? Shouldn't they? Here are a few ideas.

Why not have *some* golf tournaments that feature half the field of male players to include the other half of female golfers. The women and the men can tee off from the appropriate tee box and still play against their own gender. There would still be a male champion and a female champion. The integration of men and women in a tourney would allow for fans to see both. 

Why not have the women and men's March Madness include both teams in the same locations in the early rounds? A fan could see San Diego State men tip off at 5:00 p.m. with the Notre Dame women to follow. 

Please note, I am not in favor of eliminating gender from competition. I do however want to think creatively about how we can celebrate and have access to both. Some people might not want to ever see men's sports. Others might not woman to see women's. While many sports fan will make the argument for a preference of one game vs. the other, my time at Wimbledon only allowed me to engage with two sides of the draw and cheer for my favorite players from each.

If you need a reason or an excuse to go to Wimbledon, this is just one of 100 I am happy to provide. More to come!

Photo Credits
Both Winners
Sabalenka
Ajla and Chrissie
Both Leaderboards

In Praise of Tears...Thank you, Ons Jabeur

At one set down and the score of 2-3 in the second set, Ons Jabeur voluntarily put her back against the wall. She stood for what felt like eternity...solo...as only a tennis player does. I would love to know was said between her mind, body and soul. She emerged from the shadows and won the next game. It wasn't enough. Just four games letter, her nemesis Marketa Vondrousova fell to the ground, triumphant. Game. Set. Match: Vondrousova. The unseeded Czech defeated Jabeur, the two seed in straight sets—6-4, 6.4. 

But a few moments later, the closing ceremony pageantry commenced. The Princess of Wales greeted and thanked the ball boys and girls, lines-people and chair umpire. The crowd came to their feet, clapping and cheering in thanksgiving for a fortnight of great tennis. Jabeur, a crowd favorite, was the first to receive her trophy. She could barely grasp the award—a silver platter for first runner up—she was crying so much. She didn't hold back.

As written in The New Times, "Shortly after, during the on-court ceremony, Jabeur broke down, wiping tears from her pink eyes as she spoke to spectators, and holding the runner-up trophy like a dirty dish. She called it “the most painful loss” of her career.

It was hard to look away. That moment, if frozen in time, only revealed something every human being knows all too well: a dream denied. Again, one need not be a tennis player, an athlete or even a sports fan to have a sense of how Jabeur was feeling. And I loved her even more for letting us in.

Not every player who loses cries, but many do. So what gives? How or why were the tears from Jabeur any different? Maybe it's because—on some level— we get it, and it helps to see others do too. Who hasn't come close and lost? Who hasn't given their all toward a goal and come up short? Who hasn't been the favorite and emerged on the other side? 

Jabeur truly let herself be in the moment. In what felt again, like an eternity, we waited to see her regain her composure and speak. We saw her unable to let go of the pain of defeat. We watched Kate offer consolation and we watched as we saw Ons try to take it in. 

I don't know what it's like to play in the finals of Wimbledon. I don't know what's like to come that close to achieving a high profile, historic dream. But I do know what it's like to let myself be unable to "shake it off (sorry, Taylor)" or be anything but disappointed. Furthermore, I believe it offers a lesson to be learned about spirituality. 

There is no shortage of pain in this world—death, violence and destruction. Disease, divorce, hunger and the list goes on. But this pain is different. I think there's value in recognizing and appreciating that. This pain stems from desire. In "The Holy Longing," Ron Rolheiser writes "This dis-ease is universal.  Desire gives no exemptions.  It does, however, admit of different moods and faces … can show itself as aching pain or delicious hope.  Spirituality is, ultimately, about what we do with that desire." What a nuanced way to think about spirituality.

In Ons, we see a desire to be the best, and to achieve a goal. Though tennis is an individual sport, I believe one of the reasons she is so popular among the fans is because her desire does not feel totally selfish or solitary. For example, in her loss Jabeur apologized for "letting my fans and my team down."

Furthermore, it's not just Jabeur's desire but who she is along the path toward its progress that draws us in. This journey speaks to her own, unique personality...and her spirituality. David Waldstein writes: 

Jabeur, who appears as genuine as she is talented; one of the many reasons fans are so drawn to her. As the No. 6 seed, she played magnificently here, avenging last year’s devastating loss to No. 3 Rybakina in a quarterfinal and No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in their semifinal. Many thought it was Jabeur’s time, making the loss more excruciating and eliciting sympathy even from Vondrousova’s camp.

“When I saw her, I started to cry, too,” said Stepan Simek, Vondrousova’s husband. “Ons is a very lovely human. She has a good heart and is very friendly with opponents, and even to me. I was very sad because she deserves to be a Grand Slam champion. She will make it one day.”

What a delicious hope. 

To be human is to have desire. Yes, some desires are indeed self consuming, while others are beautiful, up-lifting. Most are...human. Many professionals play tennis for selfish desires—the fame, the money and the glory. Others play tennis because it's a beautiful game. They represent their country, their homeland, who and/or what they represent. I would argue all players are probably somewhere in between, but a championship like Wimbledon offers a stage where we are able to question it all.

Rolheiser repeats his claim, but makes a subtle distinction. He writes "Spirituality is, ultimately, about what we do with that desire. What we do with our longings, both in terms of handling the pain and the hope they bring us, that is our spirituality." 

Djokovic teared up when thanking his family for their support after his loss in the Wimbledon final.

I began this blog posting on Saturday, July 15 but an hour after Jabeur lost the match. Less than 24 hours later, I was surprised to see Novak Djokovic also shedding tears a few minutes into his interview on the court—following his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the men's final. He handled the pain in a similar way— he was gracious in defeat but honest with his emotions. While he is a very different person and has a different style of play, both athletes share a common desire and conclusion to it for now. 

There's a certain beauty in recognizing what we desire, our path toward it and where it will take us. There is a subtle irony in recognizing that tears are a likely result of either outcome. I stand in praise and appreciation of both.

Photo Credits
Tears and Fist Pump
Djokovic in tears, too
Princess Kate

Breakfast Without Wimbledon

Dear Sports Fans,

Is there a name for this? It's that feeling you get when a major sporting event—The Masters, the World Series, the Stanley Cup final or in this case, Wimbledon—has come to a close for another year. It's not a hangover, for you just can't get enough of good golf, football, tennis and so forth. And yet, it's a powerful cocktail comprised of one part gratitude, two parts melancholy and residual adrenaline. The amount of that ingredient depends on the outcome of the contest. For example, Philadelphia fans are still enjoying that Kool-Aid from the 2018 Super Bowl W. At any rate, this unnamed feeling it what I took to the table as I had breakfast without Wimbledon for the first time in a fortnight. Sans strawberries and cream, I began to make sense of the memories from the past 12 days. Enjoy.

Tennis is at a critical juncture
I imagine most Americans were unfamiliar with the majority of players in the semifinal matches of both the men's and women's draw. While Djokovic is certainly no stranger to the game or to Wimbledon finals (he is the fourth player to have won three in a row), the Canadian who was born in Russia, the Polish phenom and Italian finalist Matteo Berrtini were most likely new names to the average fan. On the women's side, to not have a semifinalist representing the red, white and blue and/or specifically one named Williams was newsworthy.

The big three: Federer, Nadal and Djokovic aren't getting any younger. Neither are Serena and Venus. The fact that their careers have extended as long as they have is remarkable. It's time for fresh blood and for new chapters of this great game to be written. 

Tennis has been here before and will be here again. I would like to think in the men's game the future looks Azzurri! Berrettini has an outstanding game and on the women's side perhaps we will get more of...

A Case for the Multi-Sport Athlete Ash Barty
I've grown weary of arguing FOR the multi-sport athlete. As far as I'm concerned, it shouldn't even be a debate or a discussion. Play sports (plural) young people. Enjoy lots of them. And let's celebrate the success of the men and women who master more than one.

Look no further than Ashleigh (Ash) Barty. In 2014, the number one player in the world played cricket—professionally! In an interview with Purav Jose of Essentially Sports, she said:

“It’s something I am super passionate about. I probably watch more cricket, more Australian rules, more Aussie games than I do tennis if I am being honest. Absolute sport, I love it,” 

After her revelation, one might assume that she might have chosen to play cricket over tennis. However, she mentioned that it was something that came her way during her break.

She said, “I didn’t stop playing tennis to go and play cricket. It was more than after about 12 months an opportunity came up, and I thought, ‘Why not? Give it a crack and see how we go’. It was really enjoyable; I loved it. I always wanted to challenge myself and to try new things and try different things.”

Interestingly, Ash also plays golf incredibly well.

Jose's praise is not an exaggeration. Barty is a plus 2 handicap. In other words, she shoots 2 strokes under par on average at most courses. #shero!!

I love her incredibly athletic style of play, and her championship mentality. In her trophy speech she told Pliskova, "I love testing myself against you, and I'm sure we'll play many, many more matches." The best opponents test us and true champions appreciate how they can do this. Case closed on Ash Barty. I too, look forward to more tests, more matches from her and future opponents....whoever they may be!

Beauty in Simplicity
I am a fan of standards, uniforms and dress codes. I have no problem playing by and enforcing "the rules." I also believe they are worth revisiting and revising if and as necessary. I know such expectations are not without bias nor complication and yet, I value having them.

Requiring all players to wear white is fascinating to me. Why? Part of me just can't believe they get away with it. But, I'm not naive. It's England. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are in attendance. The line judges were button down shirts and ties. I have heard about the cost of tickets; I don't know that I will ever attend.

While their dress code may feel antiquated, I think the end result is spectacular. The contrast of white clothing against the green grass is striking. 

Perhaps it is an unintended consequence, but the uniformity leads me to focus more on the tennis and less on clothing, loud colors, patterns and prints. Yes, tennis players are already a walking billboard—advertising for FILA, Rolex or Slazenger— and, I have to admit I spend a little more time taking inventory of some women's jewelry, who has tattoos, etc. But, when I think of Wimbledon, my mind's eye remembers the dark purple and forest green logo, the iconic scoreboards and the athletes who serve, hit and volley dressed in but one hue (is white even a color?). Truly, I find beauty in the simplicity. You?

The I in Team
Have you heard? There is a team in tennis.

Single's tennis is an individual sport. So is golf, swimming and running, minus the relays. And yet, Barty and Djokovic went out of their way to acknowledge and thank their "team." 

For tennis players the team consists of one's coach, physio, hitting partner, business manager and more. You will see these men and women sitting together in a designated area, often wearing sunglasses and sitting near or beside the player's family (who is naturally part of the team).

Every last part of me ought to celebrate the "we" mentality of the game. None of us can achieve greatness on our own. Why not give a shout out and call the supporting cast, "team?" 

I'm just not sure I buy it. Why? When a player loses, he or she assumes the responsibility....at least publicly. Furthermore, playing a "team" sport is very different. 

I coach an individual sport that seeks to operate as a team. It's very challenging to change the mindset. I will lean into what these athletes have to offer...

In Closing
Due to COVID, it has been two years since the last fortnight at Wimbledon. The enthusiasm of the crowd and from the players revealed their excitement and gratitude times two...or ten. And, as much as I LOVE the US Open, Wimbledon is second to none. 

It's a joy to watch and when it comes to a close, we are all too thankful game, sets and matches. If we weren't, it wouldn't feel like it does...whatever that is.

Photo Credits
Djokovic on the board
Barty v Pliskova
Wimbledon logo
Ash Barty Fist Pump
Djokovic

The Sports Hangover....of a different kind

All week, I suffered from a mini-hangover. It lingered. It came and went at a varying intensity. I didn't get this hangover from too much wine or champagne, or even vodka on the rocks. No, this hangover was different. Though I wasn't physically sick, I can't deny it was there. Sports fans might understand; I know many athletes do.

The 2019 men's final at Wimbledon was truly one of the ages, an instant classic. But, I couldn't let go of the outcome. As I recalled the match with friends, I couldn't help but feel bummed—for a lack of a better word. The 37-year old number two player in the world, Roger Federer didn't lose a single game. He did, however, lose the match. Staving off two match points—his opponent—Novak Djokovic beat him in three tie breaks in five sets. As much as I felt the loss—that ache, I wondered What it must feel like for the athlete, for their spouse, their coach, "team" and friends? Hungover, but in a different kind of way, is my guess.

I have read about said hangovers before. In the movie "Venus and Serena" Venus Williams, a five time Wimbledon champion admitted that after she lost, she didn't get out of bed for a week. Phil Mickelson has as much before, too. It wasn't after his fatal fall at the 2006 US Open at Winged Foot. According to Golf News.Net 

The reigning (British) Open champion had what he described was his best chance to finally capture the elusive U.S. Open in June. Instead, he came up short against Justin Rose, posting a sixth second-place finish in the championship -- only adding to a record no one wants to own. 

In an appearance on 'Today" on NBC,  Mickelson said, "My worst, hardest loss of my career was the U.S. Open just a month ago. For days, I didn’t get out of bed; I was tired." 

Once again, however, it was Mickelson's family that helped pulled him out of the funk. 

"It was a trip that we had to Montana that kind of got me out of my funk and I realized that I’m playing great golf, and I can’t let one loss affect the rest of my year," he said.

Fortunately for Fed, the circumstances are slightly different. There is no Grand Slam out of his reach. With eight single's championships, he is not only the winningest man in Wimbledon history, he has twelve others, 20 major championships in all. But what made this win so desirable is to see what we don't often see in a sport like tennis. The great enemy of every athlete is age. Fed responded to that truth by smiling and sharing "I hope I give some other people a chance to believe that at 37, it's not over yet." It does. And BTW: The Maestro will be 38 when he plays the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open.

I think it is important to feel these hangovers and to let them linger. That storm cloud may need to rain for one day, or maybe for three. But it's not a condition or characteristic of today's athletes alone. In the film 'Hogan: Perseverance" Bantam Ben Hogan admitted his struggle in defeat. 

On the 71st hole of the 1960 US Open at Cherry Hills Country Club, in Denver CO, Hogan hit a wedge loaded with backspin that went into the water, essentially ending what was another bid for a fifth championship title. He said, "I find myself walking up at night thinking of that shot. Right today. How many years has that been? That's been 23 years ago and there isn't a month that goes by that that doesn't cut my guts out." Wow. 

I don't know what Fed will say weeks, months or even years after the loss. Business Insider wrote,

After the match, Federer was graceful in defeat, joking with the crowd while speaking in his post-match interview. Federer was congratulated for his brilliant performance, with BBC presenter and former Grand Slam champion Sue Barker saying it was a final we would "remember forever."

"I will try to forget," Federer replied, earning laughs and cheers from the crowd.

I'm not sure he will...or I will. I do not believe that a person is strange or selfish, if they are depressed or down after a loss. Why? These contests and competitions are great because we see humanity at its best. We see men and women giving everything—physically, emotionally and spiritually. They literally having nothing left in the tank. Their cup cannot runneth over, that is, unless it's spiked with adrenaline. 

Family, friends and fans can't expect to see one face of greatness—the joy, exuberance and triumph without realizing there might be another. 

The fortnight of Wimbledon is a special time of year. New wine was poured into both new and old wineskins. We drank it all. In spite of the "other" type of hangover, I'd do it again. Thank you Fed. Congratulations Joker!

Photo Credits
Heart on hand
Loss at Merion
Staying Positive
Tough Loss

Most Inspiring Female Athlete: Venus Williams

They say you can't be what you can't see. Another way of saying this might be "you can be what you can see." The first round of the 2019 Wimbledon tennis tournament revealed this truth and and much more as the 15-year-old Cori "Coco" Gauff beat Venus Williams in straight sets.

Gauff's victory makes her the youngest player to win a match at Wimbledon since 1991. Williams is the oldest female in the tourney; she will stay at the All-England Lawn Tennis Club to watch her sister Serena play singles and mixed doubles with Andy Murray. I was disappointed that Venus and Serena, who have won 14 doubles titles together will not play in the women's division. 

Venus, a five-time Wimbledon champion won four Grand Slam titles, including two at Wimbledon before Gauff was born. 

Gauff said "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her. She is so inspiring and I've always wanted to tell her that." Her chance came when they shook hands at the net after the match.  From the look on each of their faces, it's safe to say that feeling might be mutual.

If a female tennis player is to serve as a young athlete's inspiration, I'm not sure I can make a stronger argument for anyone in today's game other than Venus Williams. Teaching about her life in my Ethics, Morality and Justice course through the Nine for IX video "Venus Vs." and the resources available through ESPN W this year was a true highlight. My students, both male and female felt the same way. Here is one student's impressive summary of what he learned:

Throughout the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Venus Williams and her sister Serena were among the most popular and dominant female tennis players in the world. Both won major tournaments, braced magazine covers, and received massive endorsement deals from companies such as Gatorade and Nike. However, Venus Williams’s biggest achievement did not come on the grounds of Wimbledon or the US Open. Instead, Venus’s biggest victory came in her battle against the wage gap, as Venus, along with help from the WTA and other female players, finally gained equal pay for the 2007 Wimbledon tournament.  

Equal pay, or the desire for it, is the central issue of this case of social justice. Our society has (and still does) struggle with equal pay between men and women, as men have consistently made more than 20% more than their female counterparts over decades in American society, and beyond.  

In this case, Williams saw that although the television packages and ticket sales grossed the same amount of money for both men and women, men received more prize money at Wimbledon. Other tennis tournaments such as the US and Australian Opens paid women the same amount of prize many stretching back decades, yet Wimbledon, The Masters of tennis (definitely not trying to appeal to you), refused to pay women the same prize money. 

Venus Williams’s story has also inspired me to watch WNBA basketball this summer while the Nationals sit deep below .500, as WNBA athletes also face a similar financial struggle to Venus. Venus’s story can be translated into the stories of women around the world who fail to see equal pay for the work they put in daily.

What an excellent reflection upon a social justice issue and the role that Venus Williams played in advancing the cause. For three young women, she was named the person they enjoyed learning about the most! Here is what they wrote:

My favorite person we studied this year was Venus Williams because of her inspiring efforts regarding women’s equality in sports. I thought Venus’s story was especially inspirational because, despite the racial discrimination she already had to face in her career, she continued to fight to make a voice for women’s tennis and demand the equal pay women deserve –– even if it meant sacrificing her reputation. I believe that all people have the responsibility to fight for their beliefs regarding gender equity, but only some people will have the courage to do so –– and Venus Williams is the perfect example of a leader who is willing to take action to achieve what is truly right.

The person I found most influential in understanding myself again this year was Venus Williams. The film Venus Versus film did not only tie into race and equality but tied into my favorite part of the year Jan Term. Through this class, I found how passionate I am about women's athletics and female athletes. Before this class, I knew what title IX was but that was it I didn't know any statistics, how unequal women are still treated. After watching Venus struggle it fueled my fire even further, her perseverance and persistence does not only make her a great athlete but an amazing person.  I find Venus as in inspiration as a face for the movement of women's sports equality. Venus has even gone as far as inspiring me to possibly pursue a further investigation into this cause and maybe one day even properly join the movement. ;)

My favorite person we studied this year was Venus Williams in our studies about sexuality and culture. Tennis has been a huge part of my family as nearly everyone on my mother’s side has played. I have grown up watching the William sisters for as long as I can remember, and I appreciate learning more in depth about their impact on prize money equality and on changing the face of tennis.  

I believe the Williams sisters share an important ideal of fighting for what you believe in. Throughout their lives, the Williams sisters overcame adversity and made great strides toward eliminating the prize money gap at Wimbledon. The Williams sisters also share the lesson of representation. Two strong black women dominating the typically white and proper country club sport, give inspiration and encouragement to many young aspiring athletes. I believe their story is important because, today the wage gap still exists, and their effort encourages all women despite race and socioeconomic backgrounds to take a stand and make efforts toward gender equality.

I have always said that Serena Williams is my favorite female athlete. However, since teaching about Venus Williams, I now think I do not have one, but two. I admire and respect the Williams sisters for different and overlapping reasons. While I love Serena's style of play, I value Venus' with a new eye. To see her congratulating Coco Gauff at the net was to witness sportsmanship at its best. Time and again, Venus Williams has offered that to fans with her game, her plight and her victories on and off the court. Women's tennis won, yesterday. Congratulations all around.

Photo Credits
Venus and Coco
Champs
Interview Photo

But One Chapter in the Narrative of Sports: Thank you Serena Williams

Days after Serena Williams lost the French Open, a sportswriter raised an unfortunate question: Will Williams ever win another Grand Slam title? As many tennis fans know, Serena, who had already completed the Serena Slam (winning the Grand Slam in a non-calendar year) was going for history as she sought the 2015 US Open title. This victory would not only give her the distinction of becoming the fourth woman in the history of the sport to win a Grand Slam, it would be her 22nd—tying her with Steffi Graf for the most major wins in the modern game. She lost in the semis. 

In 2016, Serena went on to appear in the Finals of the Australian and the French Open, she lost in both. When I read that probing question, I put my magazine down with disgust. It's one that's not uncommon in sports. Golf fans are reading it on a regular basis this year as Jordan Spieth has yet to win a Major in 2016. And rather than answer the question, I thought instead about a larger one: What are the narratives that characterize professional sports today? I invite you to answer this question. Please share your response. For today, here is but one thought, among hundreds.

So...it looks like we have an answer to that question.

Default Language
Lying on the floor while stretching at the conclusion of a group exercise class at my gym, I looked up to read, actually read what the banners hanging from the ceiling had to say. They listed different championship titles that various teams within the club won and what year they did so. It was obvious to me that certain eras created a dynasty. But there was something on one banner that wasn't on all of the others; an interesting descriptor. It said "Women's Championship." I quickly realized that the default language in sports speaks of men and their accomplishments. You might make the argument that the club was originally for men only, so the history of the narrative stems from what was, rather than what it is today.

For example,  SportsCenter reported this morning that the US Women's Open champion in golf is Brittany Lang. When Dustin Johnson won the same title, sports media does note him as the "Men's Open championship," It could. My question is, Should it?

The same is true in professional basketball. The NBA is the National Basketball Association of male athletes. Though David Stern could have changed the name to the MNBA when the WNBA was created in 1996, he did not. Were a woman the commissioner, I'm not sure she would either. Norms in society are hard to change, but it doesn't mean they're not worth examining, considering, and questioning For example, I wonder: What are the implications of a language that suggests that athletes are male and when they are not—then and only then—do we let it be known otherwise?!

I'm okay with making distinctions. I have a favorite female athlete and I have a favorite male athlete. Evidence provided: here. You should say to me that Andy Murray was crowned the men's champion and Serena Williams is the women's champion of Wimbledon (although in this case, their names help me figure that one out. Not always true!). Though some would prefer to do away with these descriptors, they point to a truth. There are divisions by gender for a reason (which I'm not really interested in qualifying here. I'll leave that to some physiologist). In some arenas these divisions might not be necessary, but in others they are needed. For example, if Serena were to play on the men's tour, as much as I would want her to win, she wouldn't have the 22 titles that she does today. Men hit harder, their serve is faster and they play longer. Serena's serve is pretty close though! 

Michelle Wie comes to mind as a female athlete who attempted to play on the American men's tour, but did not make the cut. She is however the second woman to have made it on the Asian men's tour; Se Ri Pak of South Korea is the first. Unfortunately, Wie finished the year with disappointing performances on both the men's and the woman's tour. 

This too was not met without controversy. Female golf legend Annika Sorenstam criticized Wie for her decision to compete on the PGA tour. If you let the narrative of sports rest with those words, you would miss her larger claim. Wie wasn't even winning on the women's tour. Were she looking for the next level of competition, playing against men might make sense. Sorenstam was holding the claim at the LPGA has tremendous competition already. Why miss out on it? 

Without a doubt, Serena Williams has elevated the sport of tennis. And I say that with all due respect for the boys and girls, men and women, seniors, paraplegics and any fan of this great game. I love her for hundreds of reasons I have written about on this blog and as mentioned in this outstanding piece "The Singular Serena." She contributes much more than a singular chapter to the narrative of tennis and to that of all of sports. Today, I thank her for her contributions past and those to come....especially #23!

Photo Credits
Serena
B Lang
M Wie

Jackie Joyner Kersee: Know the Why

With her 21st Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon, and one win away from capturing her first Grand Slam, many people consider Serena Williams to be the best female athlete in the world today. I do not disagree.

Is she the greatest female athlete of all time? That is to be determined. As much as I would love to see Serena play post in basketball—nah, she'd want to run the show as the point guard—her one and only sport has been tennis. And more power to her. She had dominated in game that doesn't offer many role models that look like her—and I mean that far beyond her race (which is significant). 

But the greatest female athlete of the 20th century excelled at basketball, the 100 m hurdles, High jump, Shot put, 200 m, Long jump, Javelin throw and 800 m. Jackie Joyner Kersee was voted No. 23 among North American athletes of the 20th century by SportsCentury's distinguished panel. Sports Illustrated for Women magazine voted her the Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th century, just ahead of Babe Didrikson Zaharias. Babe excelled at golf, basketball and track and field. 

Williams has four Olympic gold medals of her own. I would love to see her compete in the hepathalon. Heck, I would love to play a round of golf with her. She may emerge as the greatest female athlete of the 21st Century, but time will tell. In the meantime, this is all I can offer: I know why Jackie Joyner Kersee is a six-time Olympic Gold medalist.

At a fundraiser I attended for "Third Box" in June, she challenged the audience to know the why behind an institution, an organization, a cause, a belief and a way of being. 

She said, "Knowing the why is more important than knowing how. Those that know the why beat those that know how."

I guess she knows a little bit about beating others, too.

How did she compete? How did she play basketball? How does she give back to her community? Those are easy questions to answer. But to Joyner-Kersee, the why is what's important. 

Why did she compete? Why did she play basketball? Why does she give back to her community center. I know why.

J-K grew up in East St. Louis. Much like the words of Nathaniel in John's Gospel, most people would ask "What good can come from East St. Louis." Fortunately, we have a wonderful answer in Jackie.

Thanks to a community center, she had a chance to participate in athletics. But sports wasn't the only resource this center provided. She met a librarian who helped her check out books. That library was also connected to a center for seniors. She volunteered at  the senior center and found that their presence was a gift. Why? because she didn't have grandparents. The elders she met and got to know passed on wisdom about the why of life. "In short," she said, "I was always surrounded by support."

Ultimately this support led her to UCLA where she earned a scholarship for women's basketball.

Jackie shared that her mother and father were married as teens. They lost their first child, who Mary, her mother, delivered at just 14 years of age. She had Jackie when she was 16. There was a lot of love in their home, but a lot of strife, disappointment, and struggle that underscored daily living.

She said "the struggle is NOT the problem, not having a third box is the problem. My mom did not have a third box. I hope you will support this organization because they know the why of it all."

And in her final remarks, she said "Always remember where you came from. Thank you. Good night."

To me, Joyner-Kersee wanted the audience to know and remember literally and metaphorically where we come from—it can't help but include the why. The elders of East St. Louis, the librarian, those who organized sports at her community center, her parents all reveal why Jackie Joyner-Kersee became a different kind of statistic out of East St. Louis.

You can't read about Serena Williams without some reference and of where she came from. The role of her father and her mother, her sister Venus are inextricably linked with the why. Will she surpass Steffi Graf who holds 22 Grand Slam titles or Margaret Smith Court with 24 to become women's tennis greatest? Will she earn another 2 Gold Medals in Rio in 2016 to tie Jackie Joyner-Kersee? 

If she does, I would love to be a fly on the wall for a conversation between those two women and more thoughts on the why. 

Other Articles on Serena: Game, Set, Match: Serena, 32 Years in the Making

Photo Credits
JJK
Serena
JJK Long Jump
Serena: TBD