The ones who shine brightest in the spotlight tend to face criticism more. Lewis Hamilton, for example, is a man synonymous with F1, love him or hate him, there is no debate about what he has contributed to the sport. And the same applies to LeBron James, Tom Brady, Serena Williams and so many other legends in their respective sports. But despite standing high on the rostrum, no one is safe from hurtful comments.
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Such is the fate of legends. As Hamilton reached his late 30s, the talks of retirement have grown louder. It doesn’t help that Mercedes’ pitiful on-track performance piles on to this debate. However, this doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt.
In a recent interview with Miami Design District, Hamilton ponders upon his career, and wonders if everything he’s done over the last 16 years has not been an answer enough to these questions.
Lewis Hamilton looks at James, Brady and Williams in a shared fate
Hamilton knows he’s at the top of his game. No matter what the car does, what the media says, or what happens with his team. Hamilton has been training better, and is mentally stronger than ever. So shouldn’t that be enough?
He reflects, “It’s interesting… you think once you’ve proved yourself that some of the critics might disappear, but you can be at the top of your game and there will still be people calling on you to retire.”
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But Hamilton knows he’s not alone in this. “It’s the same whether it’s LeBron, Serena or Tom Brady. The only thing you can do is tune out the noise and focus on your goals.”
The same age as Hamilton, LeBron James has been in the league for 20 seasons and has shown no signs of slowing down. Collecting minutes in a game like he’s 18, James still rules the NBA. And he’s made it clear he has more years to give. Before taking his throne as the NBA’s highest all-time scorer, the King stated, “I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be in this league for at least a few more years.”
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Look at Brady. 7 Super Bowl rings later the man refused to give up. The intense fitness, diet, and sleep regime he followed saw him at the top of his game well into his 40s. His retirement was not a commentary on his professional abilities, but a call to his duties to his family.
“So the responsibilities are many people taking care of me and things that I have off the field that are really important to me like my family, my kids, my wife’s done an amazing job of that. “
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Serena Williams had a similar objective. Recently, the Tennis Titan made a heartfelt confession about her retirement. “I think I feel torn because I’m still able to play at a very, very, very high level. With that being said, I always wanted to leave the game playing at a very high level.”
Thus, these athletes are at the top of their game for a good reason. A reason why they gave so much to their sports, even when they got nothing in return. Instead of pushing legends like Hamilton away, the right thing to do would be appreciating whatever time he has on the track and being honored at witnessing glory.
