Fred Bowen's "The Score" column,
July 10, 2008, Washington Post

Athletes Who Show Us There Are No Limits

Watching sports is always fun. But sometimes sports can become something more than just games. Sports are a reminder of what is possible.

Sports fans recently were treated to some remarkable performances. Last month, Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open, considered by many to be the most difficult golf tournament in the world. Woods wins lots of tournaments, but what made this win special was the news that Woods competed despite a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and two stress fractures in his left leg. In other words, he was in pain every step of the five-day tournament and still beat the best golfers in the world.

Last weekend in the men's final at Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer played possibly the greatest tennis match ever. The two champions played five sets for almost five hours and hit countless thrilling shots before Nadal finally edged Federer in the English twilight. The players pushed each other to the limit of their talent and endurance in an unforgettable match that will probably be replayed during every rain delay at Wimbledon for the next 20 years.

On the same weekend, Dara Torres qualified for her fifth Olympics by winning the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle races at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials. What makes Torres's wins so amazing is that she is 41 years old. That's probably close to your mom's or dad's age. Can you imagine them competing in the Olympics? Most champion swimmers are in their 20s, and some are teenagers, such as 19-year-old super swimmer Katie Hoff. Torres is also a mom; she has a 2-year-old daughter named Tessa.

What is important about each of these performances is that they stretched our idea of what is possible. After all, just a few weeks ago, who would have thought that a man could win a golf tournament with a broken leg? Or that a mother in her 40s could swim in the Olympics? Or that two men could play tennis at such a high level for so long?

And that's a good reminder for everyone, especially kids. Maybe sports can encourage you to do something you never thought you could.

That doesn't necessarily mean you will go to the U.S. Open, Wimbledon or the Olympics. But you might swim your personal best this summer. Or catch a fly ball. Or get better at math. Or learn to play lacrosse or speak a new language.

It won't be easy or happen overnight. Remember that Tiger Woods, Rafael Nadal and Dara Torres had to work and practice for years to become champions. But if you keep at it, you might surprise everyone, including yourself.

In sports, and out of sports, the possibilities are endless.

Fred Bowen writes KidsPost's sports opinion column and is an author of sports novels for kids.

© 2008 The Washington Post Company