Lewis Hamilton - I'm Sold!
I watched a BBC programme called Lewis Hamilton: Billion Dollar Man that was originally broadcast last year but was naturally re-aired earlier this month following his Formula 1 victory. It's under an hour long and so totally worth it. Unfortunately, you can only watch it using the link above if you live in the UK but I'm sure it must be available as a torrent. It traces his life from a young boy growing up in Stevenage to his stunning arrival on the Formula 1 circuit last year. Interestingly, the Beeb have been following him since he was eight years old when he appeared on a local show called Blue Peter. The Beeb have been following him ever since so there's some awesome footage of his rise through the racing ranks. He's younger than me and only spent two seasons in Formula 1 but his story is already the stuff of legend.
The beginning of the show reminded me of the video below which is of an interview conducted with Sachin Tendulkar when he was just fourteen years old and was making waves on the maidans of Mumbai in the late 80s. The focus, drive and single-minded determination is easily noticeable in both child prodigies. I sincerely hope and believe that Hamilton is going to become as big a brand in his sport as Tendulkar did in his. There's simply no doubt about it. It's such an incredible story. The relationship between Hamilton and his dad also reminded me of the relationship between Tendulkar and his dad and also between Tendulkar and his older brother. It is a truly inspiring story.
A great week for Black people, first with Hamilton becoming not only the youngest Formula One Champion but also becoming the first black driver to race in Formula One, and also secondly with Obama becoming the President of the world's most powerful country. Both pioneers come from mixed-race backgrounds, a fitting attribute to a world moving forward and where traditional cultural barriers are no hurdles to achieving the ultimate success in life. I cannae wait till next season's Championship!
The beginning of the show reminded me of the video below which is of an interview conducted with Sachin Tendulkar when he was just fourteen years old and was making waves on the maidans of Mumbai in the late 80s. The focus, drive and single-minded determination is easily noticeable in both child prodigies. I sincerely hope and believe that Hamilton is going to become as big a brand in his sport as Tendulkar did in his. There's simply no doubt about it. It's such an incredible story. The relationship between Hamilton and his dad also reminded me of the relationship between Tendulkar and his dad and also between Tendulkar and his older brother. It is a truly inspiring story.
A great week for Black people, first with Hamilton becoming not only the youngest Formula One Champion but also becoming the first black driver to race in Formula One, and also secondly with Obama becoming the President of the world's most powerful country. Both pioneers come from mixed-race backgrounds, a fitting attribute to a world moving forward and where traditional cultural barriers are no hurdles to achieving the ultimate success in life. I cannae wait till next season's Championship!
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