The best is no longer the greatest. Despite winning basketball gold in Paris, the United States is losing the sport it claims to have perfected. It had to celebrate a humiliating win in the semis against Serbia. This despite having at least four most valuable players in its roster. The dream team that almost ended in nightmare.
Although it may be argued the opposition is way stronger now than before, the sum total of its performance reiterates and reinforces history, that the 1992 dream team is the best talent ever assembled, and probably the best there will ever be – Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, Chris Mulin, John Stockton, Patrick Euwing, David Robinson and Charles Barkley who barks at the quality of this year’s American basketball team, including Philippine basketball in the company of world best.
Not basketball indeed. Golden boy Carlos Yulo showed his country the way to victory. Focus on sports where height is not might. Unfortunately, his family feud also showed the world what his countrymen are more concerned about. No one should have opened their mouth, except in awe of his powerful artistry.
If it is any consolation though, sprinter Noah Lyles had a bigger mouth, faster than the century dash he won by a thousandth of a second. The brash American was so certain of a sprint double he celebrated before the 200m race started, only to learn a lesson in humility the hard way.
Cocky, though not in the same way as the French pole vaulter whose member barred the bar, the image that stuck in the mind of media, fans and an adult site, not his knees that first touched the untouchable, his package merely nudged the inevitable fall.
But one does not need a penis to be cocky. Loud and proud Sha’Carri Richardson was humbled too. The audacious American lost the century dash she was heavily favored to win. By a wide margin. She may copy the flamboyance of Florence Griffith-Joyner, but not yet her speed.
Conversely, Dikeç Yusuf competed like a quiet storm, too calm fans accused Turkey of sending an assassin, not a shooter who they thought fired without a gear and won silver. The Turkish shooter appeared coolest, oblivious to the pressure of high-level competition. Unknown to the know-it-all, his motivation is deep-seated. He reportedly first picked up a gun after a frustrating divorce mediation. Athletes not only struggle to win in sports, they also agonize to survive in life.
Exactly why fans should not cross the line that separates public life from private, unless private life involves public interest, like domestic violence. How a mother handles her child’s finances is private, unless they were stolen. But the golden boy earned it fair and square. The country even owes him not only one but two. And many more before and in the future.