ART THOU HUMAN OR HUMANE?

Tuesday,6th.August.2024.

Art Thou Human Or Humane?

On Friday, 11th.July 1924 during the Paris Olympics: athlete Eric Liddell, reputed for his dyed-in-the-wool dedication to his faith; refused to run in his favoured 100 metres race because it was scheduled on a Sunday. He instead focused on the 400 metres where he was not a favourite. His narrative is renowned for sacrificing his preferred race to his principles.

On Saturday, 10th.September. 1960 in Rome’s Olympics: the ineffable Ethiopian marathon athlete Abebe Bikila ran barefooted demonstrating worthy emulation sportsmanship. He was ahead of his competitors and won the race despite an injury to his ankle. His perseverance demonstrated infungible sportsmanship.

The American middle-distance athlete Steve Prefontaine is reputed for his sportsmanship and fierce competition and for his supportive nature to other athletes. The 1970s are rife in his anecdotes encouraging his fellow athletes and supporting them.

On Monday, 18th.In July 1999 in the Open Championship, the rad French golfer Jean Van De Velde led into the final hole. He made a harbinger of mistakes and lost the championship.  Despite his disappointment, his conduct and demeanour exhibited sportsmanship as he was supportive and respectful to his fellow competitors.

On Sunday, 25th.March 2012: Kenyan athlete Abel Mutai was involved in a remarkable act of sportsmanship during the 2012 Barcelona Marathon. He was leading the race but mistakenly misinterpreted the foreign language into thinking he had finished the race thus slowing down.

The gnarly Spanish athlete Ivan Fernandez Anaya realized the mistake and took hold of his hand catapulting him to victory.

On Monday, 20th.April 2015 during the Boston’s Marathon: athlete Meb Keflezighi won the marathon helping fellow athletes by providing water and encouragement along the course. It was not a single event but a series of his part and parcel of his efforts during the Monday, 20th.April.2015.

From Sunday,9th.August 2015 to Sunday, 16th.August 2015 the 2015 PGA Championship took place.

Athlete Rory Mcllroy was struggling with an injury and could not compete. He was seen encouraging and supporting his fellow athletes throughout the tournament.

On Friday, 12th.August 2016 at the Rio De Janeiro Olympics: Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak, who was 16 at that time, exhibited sportsmanship and support towards her competitors by sharing her podium celebration with them after winning the gold medal in the 100-metre freestyle.

On Saturday, 8th.September 2018 during the 2018 US Open: the ne plus ultra tennis’ ace Serena Jameka Williams was disqualified for arguing with the umpire, which overshadowed Naomi Osaka’s triumph. Serena Jameka Williams’ support and congratulations to Naomi Osaka after the match showed meritorious sportsmanship, recognising and supporting the emerging talent despite her controversial loss.

Why can’t me and thee be rife in:

Sacrifices,

Savings,

Security,

Services,

Solidarity,

Stretches and

Sufferings to the: fauna, flora, human beings and all of the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD’S creation?

It is one thing to be human; it is another to be humane.

By Professor and Philosopher Daniel Masese.

Daniel Masese