Dr No[Moderator Omega - Wristscan]
34925
Football season in America begins today . . .
Sep 05, 2013,11:17 AM
. . . which brings to mind another facet of our lives we rarely broach on this forum, namely, sports. We've shared our favorite films and film scenes, and musicians and concerts, before; let's share our favorite athletes this time around, along with the watch gracing our wrist at the moment.
The one athlete I knew personally, way back when, is Mike Stone. Not a household name, granted, and unfortunately better known today for his involvement with Priscilla Presley rather than his accomplishments in the ring. Still, he is, as far as I know, the rarest of competitors: undefeated, over the course of his long career as a black belt . . .
[Stone on the left, roughly fifty years ago]
. . . practitioner of Okinawan karate. He had an air of self-confidence impossible to describe, let alone overestimate. The rumor is that Presley tried to hire someone who would beat him soundly, either in the ring or out, but found no takers.
Even while I was acquainted with Stone, there's been one competitor for whom I've an admiration that approaches reverence: Mark Donohue.
There are countless drivers considered greater for their feats on the track - Clark, Senna, Prost, Schumacher, Moss,
et al. - but Donohue was more akin to a test pilot than a pure driver. His engineering background enabled him to dial in the cars he raced to a level no one has really matched. The 1973 Can-Am series, in which he won every race save one, established him in my estimation as a competitor of the highest order, combining intellect with raw ability that led to success over others with greater physical skills.
The athlete that inspires me most today, though, is Efren Reyes . . .
. . . who is widely considered to be one of the best pool players of our time. His ability to perform kick shots . . .
. . . is the stuff of legend.
Please share your favorite athletes with us, as well as the watch you're wearing this weekend. My contribution to the thread will come later this weekend.
This message has been edited by Dr No on 2015-01-22 12:18:16