Maradona pays the price of fame

Iwas shocked to see the physical deterioration of Diego Maradona, pictured. A physical wreck brought on by doping, years of drug abuse, overeating and alcoholism, as well as other problems. His bloated figure on TV was hardly recognisable.

This physical and, nearly always, mental deterioration is typical of young, talented sportspeople who are given god-like status too soon in their careers and then cannot carry the heavy burden of world-wide adoration. The stress is tremendous. They have to prove themselves on every occasion, on or off the field. Most manage to keep their heads above water, but quite a few succumb to drugs, alcoholism and outrageous behaviour, as well as suffering from depression. It is sometimes a lonely life for them.

One can only hope that Diego’s example of self-destruction will be a lesson for young, aspiring and talented sportsmen and women to not let premature success go to their heads.

Also, sportswriters must refrain from lavishing excessive praise, much too soon, on young immature athletes in all sports, predicting that they will become legends and icons in their own lifetime. An unmitigated mistake that has dire consequences for some.

Although I recognise and applaud Maradona’s amazing and tremendous talent as a football great, I find it hard to share the present adoration and outpourings of grief for a man who blotted his copybook and his reputation by his actions and behaviour. A poor example for others to follow.

John