Second best options

Somebody recently asked me what I would have been were I not a sportsperson. The question got me thinking, and for what seemed like the longest time, I drew a blank (pun unintended).

Somebody recently asked me what I would have been were I not a sportsperson. The question got me thinking, and for what seemed like the longest time, I drew a blank (pun unintended).

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It took a while for me to process the thought. It crossed my mind to say something inane like “Work towards world peace ala Mr Universe!”, but, the truth was I had absolutely no idea what I should have said. Sport has consumed me for as long as I can remember. The obsessive manner way I pursued this passion, did not leave me with the opportunity of doing too much else.

Of course, I would have had to find an alternative talent. I doubt my parents would have patiently stood by all my trials and tribulations in the absence of any real focus. Clearly a more conventional attempt at securing my livelihood would have been in order.

Thinking about that makes me feel blessed that I had the chance to follow my dreams and also manage to yield some returns. Perhaps I would have been a part time artist. I do paint, but sadly I do a rather lousy job of it. I’m not being modest. None of my works ever elicited any spontaneous look of awe from even my dearest and closest ones. So, clearly art couldn’t have been my bread and butter. A singer perhaps? My passion for bathroom singing may have come to the fore. (Who knows, I may have been the “voice” of one of my co-columnists in HT City… the male ones of course).

What ever may have been or what ever shall be, for me it probably wouldn’t be as challenging as what I presently do. Despite all the medals and accolades, you never ever quite have your performance figures out and the mystery keeps me going. That and the desire to raise the bar constantly. But, I am sure it’s like that for everyone, no matter what they opt to do and that’s the beauty of it. So to answer that initial question — I don’t know!