The last week has seen 2 icons and legitimately labelled legends of their sports suffer mixed fortunes. Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar finally reached the tonne of tonnes, 100 century long stands at the crease after being stuck on 99 for what seemed an eternity. It caps what has already been a remarkable and record-breaking career for the 38-year old that spans back to his debut in late 1989. No one has come close to reaching his achievements, totalling over 18,000 runs in test match (51 centuries) and ODI (49) matches.
Sachin Tendulkar celebrates his long awaited
100th international cenury
In contrasting fashion, Australian swimming star Ian 'The Thorpedo' Thorpe failed to qualify for London 2012 following his comeback to the sport after his retirement in 2006. After posting the 12th fastest time in the 200m crawl, the 29-year old's Olympic future hung on his 100m time, where he had to qualify at least 16th. Regrettably, he couldn't do it, posting only the 21st best time. It puts an end to one of the most anticipated sporting comebacks of recent years.
Ian Thorpe fails to make the grade at the
Australian Olympic trials
Both these men have been at the very top of their sports, and in Tenulkar's case, it could be argued that he is still the best batsman in world cricket. Their achievements have transcended not only their own pursuits but sport as a whole - these are national icons. Tendulkar is almost worshipped by a nation of over a billion people while Thorpe has enjoyed success as Australia's darling during their Olympics in Sydney in 2000. No one symbolises their sport more than these men do for cricket and swimming, and they are a credit to their nations.
Whatever the future now brings for these men and despite the mixed outcomes from the last week, they can both sleep safe knowing that what they have achieved in recent years is truly remarkable and will never be forgotten.
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