Random Blog Post 2
It is time we begin to appreciate the greatness and achievement of two of the greatest athletes ever, LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo. What they have been able to accomplish over their careers is extraordinary and under-appreciated in my opinion. Both of these players are debatably the best to ever play their respective sports, however, what really stands out to me is the longevity of their reign at the top and the science that goes into how they keep their bodies and minds functioning at such a high level for so long. Both James and Ronaldo constantly tweak and improve their routines over time to a point of near perfection.
For example, when LeBron played in Miami, he was at around 270 pounds. But, once he went back to Cleveland, he slimmed down to around 240 and cut a great deal out of his diet, all in order to sustain his level of play, be lighter on his feet, and help avoid injury. LeBron is 33 years old, and is in his 15th year in the NBA. He began as a rookie out of high school, and at 18 years old took the NBA by storm. Since then, he has become the only player ever to amass 30,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 8,000 assists. He rarely misses games, and has been to the playoffs every year since his rookie year. Additionally, he has made a modern-era record of seven straight NBA finals, a truly miraculous feat. Yet, this year is arguably his best year of all. He has been successful with a struggling and roster hit heavily with injuries. But even so, in his 15th year, his efficiency and shooting percentages continue to rise, as he is averaging 27.5 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.7 rebounds on 54% shooting from the field. These are ridiculous numbers for someone who has been playing as long as he has. His longevity at such a high level in the NBA is unmatched, and sometimes taken for granted.
Cristiano Ronaldo was signed by Manchester United, one of the biggest and most famous soccer clubs in the world, at the age of 18. He is now 33, and on a legendary run for Real Madrid. Like James, Ronaldo is obviously gifted with an abundance of natural talent, however, it is his intense training and commitment that has helped him stay at the top for so long and become so successful for his country (Portugal), and club (now Real Madrid). Ronaldo set the Manchester United record for goals in the season in 2008. A year later, he transferred to Real Madrid at a then record price of 94 million euros. In his first year at Madrid, he won his first of five Ballon D'or, which is the award for the world's best player. With Madrid, he has won 14 trophies, including three Champions League titles, which is a competition that includes all of the best clubs in Europe. He has scored a staggering 445 goals in 430 games for Real Madrid. Also, he holds the record for most goals in the Champions League at 119, and has scored in a record 10 straight games in the competition. What is most incredible, however, is how Ronaldo has continued to improve over time. He has studied the game and altered the way he conserves energy on the field. At United, Ronaldo would constantly take defenders on, with displays of skill, in order to create opportunities for his team, but also to impress. However, as he has matured, he has played more of a striker role, focusing on finishing opportunities and scoring goals, which leads to more team success. Because of this, even at his age, a great deal of Ronaldo's success has come recently. Four of his five Ballon D'or victories have come since 2013, when Ronaldo was 28. He captained Portugal to their first ever major trophy when the won the European Championship in 2016. And lastly, Real Madrid became the first team ever to win back to back Champions League titles the past two years, and are on the verge of advancing to the semi-finals again this year.
James and Ronaldo are two of the best athletes ever. What separates them has been their longevity and commitment to continuing to perfect their crafts. While we have basically never seen athletes stay at the top for so long before, it is likely that we will see this again in the future. Their are other athletes today who are already following their lead. The attention to detail and the way athletes continue to learn and take care of their bodies is constantly improving. We should appreciate both Ronaldo and Jame's greatness and sustained success, and not take it for granted.
For example, when LeBron played in Miami, he was at around 270 pounds. But, once he went back to Cleveland, he slimmed down to around 240 and cut a great deal out of his diet, all in order to sustain his level of play, be lighter on his feet, and help avoid injury. LeBron is 33 years old, and is in his 15th year in the NBA. He began as a rookie out of high school, and at 18 years old took the NBA by storm. Since then, he has become the only player ever to amass 30,000 points, 8,000 rebounds, and 8,000 assists. He rarely misses games, and has been to the playoffs every year since his rookie year. Additionally, he has made a modern-era record of seven straight NBA finals, a truly miraculous feat. Yet, this year is arguably his best year of all. He has been successful with a struggling and roster hit heavily with injuries. But even so, in his 15th year, his efficiency and shooting percentages continue to rise, as he is averaging 27.5 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.7 rebounds on 54% shooting from the field. These are ridiculous numbers for someone who has been playing as long as he has. His longevity at such a high level in the NBA is unmatched, and sometimes taken for granted.
Cristiano Ronaldo was signed by Manchester United, one of the biggest and most famous soccer clubs in the world, at the age of 18. He is now 33, and on a legendary run for Real Madrid. Like James, Ronaldo is obviously gifted with an abundance of natural talent, however, it is his intense training and commitment that has helped him stay at the top for so long and become so successful for his country (Portugal), and club (now Real Madrid). Ronaldo set the Manchester United record for goals in the season in 2008. A year later, he transferred to Real Madrid at a then record price of 94 million euros. In his first year at Madrid, he won his first of five Ballon D'or, which is the award for the world's best player. With Madrid, he has won 14 trophies, including three Champions League titles, which is a competition that includes all of the best clubs in Europe. He has scored a staggering 445 goals in 430 games for Real Madrid. Also, he holds the record for most goals in the Champions League at 119, and has scored in a record 10 straight games in the competition. What is most incredible, however, is how Ronaldo has continued to improve over time. He has studied the game and altered the way he conserves energy on the field. At United, Ronaldo would constantly take defenders on, with displays of skill, in order to create opportunities for his team, but also to impress. However, as he has matured, he has played more of a striker role, focusing on finishing opportunities and scoring goals, which leads to more team success. Because of this, even at his age, a great deal of Ronaldo's success has come recently. Four of his five Ballon D'or victories have come since 2013, when Ronaldo was 28. He captained Portugal to their first ever major trophy when the won the European Championship in 2016. And lastly, Real Madrid became the first team ever to win back to back Champions League titles the past two years, and are on the verge of advancing to the semi-finals again this year.
James and Ronaldo are two of the best athletes ever. What separates them has been their longevity and commitment to continuing to perfect their crafts. While we have basically never seen athletes stay at the top for so long before, it is likely that we will see this again in the future. Their are other athletes today who are already following their lead. The attention to detail and the way athletes continue to learn and take care of their bodies is constantly improving. We should appreciate both Ronaldo and Jame's greatness and sustained success, and not take it for granted.
As someone who is a fan of Barcelona and the Golden State Warriors, this post hurt a little bit to read; but coming from a pure fan of the sports of basketball and soccer, it is undeniable that both LeBron and Ronaldo are two of the greatest athletes in the history of sport and anyone who is unwilling to recognize their talent doesn't really realize the privilege that they have of being able to watch them normalize the spectacular.
ReplyDeleteRonaldo proves that he is the best athletes in the world of soccer through his performance in the champions league this season! that bicycle kick was insane!
ReplyDelete