Holy Crap, Yao Ming!

I have always had a sort of harsh measure against my own race in terms of athletes. Oftentimes it seems like Chinese athletes just do not have what it takes to become great. Sure, they can be good but not great. Something always hinders them, be it nerves, pride, class, excuses, and all the other usual gambit of reasons.

So, I had always felt that Yao Ming was an overrated player. His popularity being based on nothing more than the sheer number of Chinese fans that exist in the world. To me, he looked slow. He didn't understand aggression, a key element needed for basketball. He had no flare, no flash. He seemed like he was just what any above average Chinese person would be if they had his height: solid fundamentals and a nerdy study of the game. Simply, no inspiration.

That was, of course, a couple of years back. I stopped watching basketball for awhile, but ever since the olympics I had been hearing more and more of Yao Ming. So, with the same prejudices, I started watching again this year.

What I saw was a different Yao. He had energy. He had hunger. I loved it. More than loved it, I started to admire the guy. Yet checking myself, I kept myself back, thinking that perhaps Chinese pride or something was blinding me. He still seemed weak. Once awhile, I would hear a report of how other players can dunk on him.

Of course, tonight, I am able to confess my manlove for this guy. He played truly inspired basketball today. I cannot help but feel proud and swell in admiration for him. He played a gritty, angry, and hard fought game. A game that people without spines would not have lasted. A game where a solid understanding of basketball could not cut it. He played with heart.

And now, I have to join the other hopeless throngs of starry eyed Chinese fans for him. Ugh. Yet, perhaps it won't be so bad. Perhaps, the reason I dislike cheering for a Chinese athelete or measure them harshly is purely due to my want for one. And after being disappointed time after time again because of the athletes that just didn't have what it takes, I had chosen to disdain them, closing my heart from them forever.

Now, begrudgingly but with a defeated sort of smile, I have to say that Yao Ming has become a hero to me tonight. And I will smirk derisively at anyone who mocks me for this.

=)