Long before I became an advisor, I, like many reading this, was a sports “fan”.
My “era” was the 60’s. There very certain athletes I admired, usually because of their attitude and work ethic. Jim Taylor, the Hall-of Fame Packers’ fullback known for his fierce determination and Dave Keon of the Maple Leafs, who lacked size but played with speed, brains and diligence night after night are two who stood out for me.
Taylor endured unbelievable physical abuse during the 1962 Championship game against Sam Huff and the New York Giants on a frozen field in bitter cold. Keon played a lead role in 4 Stanley Cup triumphs for the Leafs.
But perhaps oddly, I also latched on to a golfer as someone I looked up to.
Arnold Palmer.
Palmer had the fearless kind of attitude you simply did not associate with golf in those days. But he oozed charisma, long before I knew what that word meant.
He had peaked in the late 50’s and early 60’s. By the time I was a long-distance member of “Arnie’s Army”, he was still a force, but was not winning as frequently as he once had.
(The 1966 U.S. Open was particularly painful for me. Palmer misplayed a 7-stroke lead with 9 holes to play, and lost to Billy Casper the next day in a playoff. He lost the lead largely because he refused to “play it safe”. He never won a major again.)
As I write this, Palmer is now 75, long past his physical prime.
But he still stands out as an ambassador for golf, and for sports.
What brought this to mind was an article I read recently by Marino Parascenzo for PGA.com
Parenzsco wrote of being one of a number of reporters who had to approach Palmer late in his career, after shooting in the 80’s during a round at the Masters, where Palmer once was king— having won the tournament four times.
As the story goes, one of the writers said to Palmer, “Arnie, we hate to have to talk to you at a time like this…”
Palmer’s reply?
“Fellas, we talked when times were good. We’ll talk when times are bad.”
The “lesson” for many of today’s athletes is clear and obvious. And there is, in this instance, no need to “name name’s” of those modern-day athletes who should follow Palmer’s example.
Too often athletes are only too happy to revel in their accolades, but are surly at best when times are difficult.
Palmer has been, throughout his career, a picture of consistency and class.
If you are a young athlete, looking for a role-medal or someone to emulate, consider Palmer.
I’ve written in the past about individuals such as Jean Beliveau. Palmer falls into this category.
As I often remind my clients in the sports field: How do you want to be remembered in 20 years?
If anything, individuals such as Beliveau and Palmer are remembered even more fondly know, 30 years and more past their prime, than then they were in their hey-day.
Something to remember for young athletes forging a career— and for older athletes, before it’s too late.
