We live in a world where performance often takes center stage, while kindness, empathy, and compassion are what truly leave a lasting impact. In a world where we can be anything, why not choose to be kind?
For us sports enthusiasts, the past days have been marked by tragic losses. Swedish football coach Sven-Göran Eriksson passed away after a period of illness, and then hockey star Johnny Gaudreau tragically died. But isn’t there something that stands out, and doesn’t it feel a little different this time?
Both made a huge impact on their respective sports through their performances. Svennis broke new ground and achieved success that few other coaches in the world could match. Johnny Gaudreau mesmerized crowds wherever he played and was nicknamed "Johnny Hockey" for a well-deserved reason. But these are things mentioned in passing and, just like here, dealt with at the outset.
What now comes to the forefront, washing over us, are the stories about who they were as people. They were loved, not because they were good at what they did, but because they were good human beings. Based on what we are learning about them now, they were individuals guided by their hearts, by kindness, and by positivity.
During the Calgary Flames' memorial ceremony for Johnny Hockey, Swedish team captain Mikael Backlund, or "Backs" as Johnny called him, spoke. He told of a joy-bringer who took life and hockey in stride. How Johnny, in tough times, would say: "Come on Backs, it's just hockey."
At the same time, a video is being shared from a meeting where one of the world's best footballers, Alessandro Nesta, talks about Svennis and his influence. He didn’t highlight the training sessions where he learned to play better, or the tactical discussions that enhanced his understanding of the sport. Instead, he talked about how Svennis made him a better person. By treating Nesta well, Svennis made him perform even better, and through this, Nesta learned to do the same for others.
When well-known people pass away, it naturally causes a stir. Stories and tributes spread. But I sense there’s something a bit more this time, that it’s reached another level. I want to believe it has to do with how they were as people.
Of course, we should continue to honor, elevate, and celebrate those who achieve extraordinary things. But most of all, we should raise up those who are genuinely good human beings.
