MouthLondon - London Student & Youth Magazine
Off-The-Ball: Iron Men
Pin ItInjuries are a common theme for all sportsman. Some have minor setbacks, but others have to overcome obstacles that many people will never experience.
Recently during the Rugby League Grand Final between Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves star Paul Wood went in for a tackle early in the second half and got an accidental knee to the testicales. Wood carried on, trying to play through the pain. But after twenty minutes he was taken off. After their defeat, Wood even carried out interviews with journalists after the game, still no mention of the injury he sustained. Wood eventually went to hospital later on that evening. After discovering he had ruptured his testicle, he underwent surgery to have it removed.
In 2008, Tiger Woods suffered a double stress fracture in his left tibia two weeks before the US Open. A doctor’s recommendation was three weeks on crutches followed by three weeks off for rest, not to mention Woods also having a serious tear in his Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Woods played on, ignoring doctors advice and clear need of surgery. After 72 holes, Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate were tied and forced the major to go into a fifth day and an 18 hole play off. Woods was in clear pain and his condition was getting worse by the day.
…the first hole of sudden death…
After the 18 hole playoff, the scores were still tied. Woods won at the first hole of sudden death. Rocco Mediate described Woods’ achievement as not human and claimed he beat the whole field on one leg. Woods had surgery shortly after and missed the rest of the season.
In 2010, Wimbledon would experience a match like never before. With the match between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut tied at two sets all, the fifth set will never be forgotten. Described as “the endless match” the final set took 8 hours and 11 minutes to decide. A match that started on Tuesday evening, didn’t finish until late thursday afternoon. Both players not giving up and pushing until the end where Isner finally beat Mahut 70-68 in the final set. A match that defied the odds and broke records, a match that will never happen again.
A true role model for young people…
A real iron man is a natural winner. Somebody who never gives up despite what is thrown in front of them and will defeat any obstacle put in their way. A true role model for young people to follow and aspire to be like. Someone who will never quit.
About the author
I am a huge sports fan with a main interest in football. I love to write about the game as well as playing.
Further articles by Liam Close →
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