April 4, 2018

I wish someone told me how beautiful sport is

I wish someone had told me is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that has recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This week’s post is by Gianluca Tucci who reflects on the beauty of sport and moments this week inspired through it.
 
Those who know me, know that sport is an integral part of my life. Watching it, playing it, learning it, repeat.
 
Week in and out, sport offers us a way to experience, learn, cheer, cry and teaches us the important lesson of how to both win and lose.
 
The reason for my I wish someone told me blog this week was inspired by two spectacular moments captured on the global sporting stage. Each moment unique to itself, but with an spine tingling and special kind of magic to them.
 
These are the moments and the beauty of what I believe sport’s purpose truly is…
 
Cristiano Ronaldo magic applauded by the opposition’s fans
 
As a MASSIVE Juventus fan, watching Cristiano Ronaldo score one of the most outrageous bicycle kicks in our own stadium was a tale of two emotions – painful yet incredible to watch. 
 
The true beauty was what happened after he scored. The Juventus fans rose up to their feet and applauded the Real Madrid man. Ronaldo, humble in his celebration gestured a hand over his heart in gratitude, resulting in an appreciation of mutual respect between competitors.
 
It was truly a wonderful moment to behold and transcended the feeling of rivarly and competition in that instance.
 
A caddy becomes a Master at Augusta
 
If you are a golf fan, this week represents one of the biggest and most cherished on the golfing calendar. The world’s best golfers take to Augusta, Georgia to challenge for golf’s greatest honour – the green jacket of August National.
 
The same green jacket worn by many a greats of the game including our own Gary Player, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and the legendary Jack Nicklaus, to name a few.
 
The eve of the Masters is celebrated with the traditional Par 3 challenge on the Wednesday where all the contenders and past winners partake. Caddies are represented by the player’s family members and the charm of the occasion is the fun and various interactions with the crowd.
 
This year’s major highlight arrived in the three-ball pairing of legends including Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Over 35 golfing majors attributed to these greats.
 
However, the true moment of magic arrived from an unlikely source on the final 135 yard hole played over a massive pond onto a lush green. Once the legends hit their shots, Jack Nicklaus’s 15 year old grandson (and caddy) stepped up to the tee holding his grandfather’s iron and with thousands of spectators looking on.
 
GT Nicklaus looked like a younger version of his legendary grand dad. Cool, calm and composed. He took a practice swing, stepped up and hit what would turn out to be the highlight of the Masters 2018 (and his life) so far, putting the ball on the green only to watch it trickle down and eventually be interrupted by a short drop into the hole… Hole in one! WOW.
 
This caused a tremendous roar from the crowd that was only second to his 78-year old grandfather’s reaction which included Jack smiling the widest smile and embracing his grandson with the greatest pride and love.
 
If you have heard of Jack, he has experienced his fair share of joy and success, however judging by this reaction it was clearly one of the best owing to his pride and the love for family. It was beautiful to watch, not because there was a trophy to win, or prize to collect, but because it celebrated both the game and its future formed by a bond between grandfather and son.
 
In an interview after the shot, Jack stated, “Today was a very very special day and obviously one I will never forget.”
 
Watch the video below (courtesy of @TheMasters)

Enjoy the game you play or watch and embrace every moment, whether it’s through your own or someone else’s achievements and experiences.

Gianluca brings a touch of Italian flair to everything he does. His eye for detail, superior organisational skills and rare ability to nag relentlessly (in the nicest possible way) help to keep the team on track and on target. Say good things to him about Juventus and you’ll have a friend for life.