I agree with everything said before me. As a racer who would have sold my soul to have the talent these blokes have so it shits me no end to see riders blessed with infinite talent such as Kim and Gobert piss it against the wall. Perhaps it's the pressure of public limelight and expectations they're fighting to fulfill that breaks these blokes but whatever it is it's sad. I know that Kims father Steve was almost broken by his boys downfall so this is good news.
Firko I know what you are saying but just because you
'have infinite talent on a motorcycle' doesn't make you are a better human being. History is full of elite sports people who have failed abismally in real life, they are as flawed as human beings as the rest of us [and in some ways even more so].
Gowing up in a coseted, sheltered lifestyle surrounded by fans and lackeys extolling the virtues of your talents is no basis for personal growth. When the music stops and the fans move on, unless you have provided for your future, you will have to earn a living in the real world and this is a rude shock to those that have given up everything, including their childhood, in search of success in the sporting arena.
For every one that makes it there are 1000's who have compromised their futures in search of the dream. Is it worth it? Well that is a question for the individual, but if you look at the numbers, it sure isn't a life I would wish on my children.
I guess it is a matter of perspective. I encourage my kids to give 100% in their endeavours, but it would worry me greatly if they put all their eggs in a 'sporting basket' with no safety net.
Having said that, I still believe that individuals like Kim, who acknowledge their mistakes, deserve a second [and perhaps a third] chance. I dare say he has grown up enormously in the last few years, who knows what he can make of himself from here on in. I hope it is inspirational…
…and yes, he is probably still
'damn fast'
