High time Saudi sport stars shared their stories
As someone who loves sport and reading it will not shock you to learn that I am a huge fan of sport biographies. The best ones make you feel like the author is your best friend and have just shared a fascinating chat over a few coffees, having read them.
It must take a lot of courage to share the ups and downs of a career with millions of people you have never and are never likely to meet. Perhaps it takes a real sportsman to do it.
I still remember reading Andre Agassi’s autobiography sport biography “Open.” It was a searingly honest account of his childhood and time on the courts when he became a global superstar. It sometimes made for uncomfortable reading and one of the many sections that live long in the memory was when the American ace said: “I play tennis for a living even though I hate tennis, hate it with a dark and secret passion and always have.”
Until now I kept thinking how that was possible. But what I take from his admission now is that it clearly reveals how determined he must have been to become one of the best tennis talents ever, despite his hatred for the game.
Another good sporting read and one that reveals much is Mohammed Ali’s biography co-authored with his daughter Hana. The great boxer never wanted his children to follow him into the ring but this tome reveals the role a parent, especially one who is the greatest sportsman of all time, can play in sport — it is written warmth and compassion.
In 2013, I read “I Am Zlatan Ibrahimovic,” from then on I have pictured him as the Godzilla of football. The obstacles he overcame, the relationships with his father, it all offered up indications of how the impossible can be possible.
All these biographies make me wonder why our sporting heroes in Saudi Arabia do not share their inspiring stories with their fans. Is it part of the traditional, private culture?
Dr. Razan Baker
All these biographies make me wonder why our sporting heroes in Saudi Arabia do not share their inspiring stories with their fans. Is it part of the traditional, private culture? Or is it simply just not on their list of things to do as a way of giving back to the society? One of my sports media colleague Rayyan Aljadani recently pointed out that Saudis tend to enjoy novels and since novels sell more sportsmen were not encouraged to write accounts of their time at the top.
On the other hand, Raha Moharrak, the youngest Saudi and Arab to conquer mount Everest in 2013 is already working on her book and I cannot wait to read it. I have also heard about legendary Saudi Arabian footballer Sami Al-Jaber is realizing a biography written by his son. Does that mean the new generation is more aware of the importance of sharing such experiences? Maybe they believe in the importance of saving history, appreciating the journey they went through and how to contribute to their community in a bid to influence future generations?
I believe bookstores in the Kingdom need to take the initiative to enrich their shelves with more sports books. Sports biographies could create a generous eye-opening debate between youth and inspire them to future greatness on the sporting field.
- Dr. Razan Baker is a member of the board of directors at the Saudi Bowling Federation, a specialist in corporate social responsibility in sports, and a sports columnist/journalist.
