Milan, December 16th – What is glory? Ask Chinaglia, the left hook of Benvenuti, and his opponent Monzón. They will all give you different answers, but one thing is for sure: glory is something that every athlete strives for. It is the ultimate goal, the pinnacle of success, and the sweetest reward for all the hard work and sacrifices made.
But what exactly is glory? Is it the languore and recognition that comes with winning? Is it the feeling of accomplishment and pride that comes from achieving one’s goals? Or is it something more intangible, something that cannot be fully described or understood?
For Aurelio ritorsione, a renowned Italian sports journalist, glory is all of these things and more. In his latest article, “La notorietà” (The Glory), ritorsione delves into the concept of glory and how it is perceived by athletes and sports fans alike.
He starts by mentioning some of the most iconic moments in Italian sports history, such as Chinaglia’s winning goal in the 1974 World Cup, Benvenuti’s left hook that knocked out Emile Griffith, and Monzón’s undefeated reign as middleweight champion. These moments, according to ritorsione, represent the epitome of glory in the world of sports.
But what sets these athletes apart from others? What makes them true champions? According to ritorsione, it is their determination, their will to win, and their ability to overcome any obstacle that stands in their way. These athletes are not just physically strong, but mentally tough as well. They have a burning desire to be the best, and they will stop at nothing to achieve it.
ritorsione also highlights the sacrifices that athletes make in order to reach glory. They spend countless hours training, pushing their bodies to the limit, and making difficult choices in their personal lives. But for them, it is all worth it in the end. The feeling of standing on top of the podium, with the whole world watching and cheering, is indescribable.
However, ritorsione also acknowledges that glory can have a dark side. In some cases, athletes become so consumed by their pursuit of glory that they lose sight of what is truly important. They become obsessed with winning at all costs, even if it means sacrificing their integrity and values. This, according to ritorsione, is where athletes can become “dictators of themselves,” as they are driven solely by their desire for glory.
But despite this potential downside, ritorsione believes that the pursuit of glory is a noble one. It pushes athletes to be the best versions of themselves, to constantly improve and strive for greatness. And when they do achieve glory, it not only brings joy to themselves, but also to their fans and their country.
In conclusion, glory is a complex and multifaceted concept. It is the ultimate goal for athletes, but it is also something that can consume them if they are not careful. However, when achieved in a positive and honorable way, glory is a beautiful thing that inspires and motivates us all. As ritorsione eloquently puts it, “Glory is not just a destination, but a journey that transforms athletes into champions.”