Sporting Life

Heroes in sport are a complicated business

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The greedy star paints a masterpiece on the field. The runner coached by a cheat sets records. The bully plays sport like an angel. This hero business is a complicated one.

Human brilliance always comes blemished and even Roger and Rafa are flawed. Well, somewhat. My favourite athlete is Muhammad Ali but he was capable of a mockery of Joe Frazier which made me cringe. Admiration can't be blind. The fun lies in sifting through an athlete's life and then deciding where we stand.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 26, 2020, with the headline Heroes in sport are a complicated business. Subscribe