Sport has the ability to transcend boundaries.
It can look into our souls and leave a lasting impact on us.
And as I prepare for radiotherapy back home in the Scottish Highlands it’s been the perfect medicine for giving me a reminder of why I fight so hard.
The past week has been a whirlwind of triumphs and tribulations in the world of sport – from the green fairways of golf to the heartbreaking news of a sports legend’s passing.
As I was hitting golf balls in my garden, a fellow Nike Athlete and shinty player Robert MacIntyre claimed his first PGA Tour win alongside his dad.
It will be remembered as one of Scottish sport’s greatest moments – as will his post-championship interview.
As MacIntyre outplayed some of the biggest names in the sport, his victory was testament to years of hard work and determination, and a reminder that anything is possible.
I spoke to someone at Nike not long after his win and was explaining how incredible it is to go from the shinty pitches of Oban to winning a PGA Tour championship.
As I tried to find my inner MacIntyre golf swing from my shinty days it’s safe to say I won’t be following in Rob’s footsteps, but as I hit ball after ball in the search for that one shot it reminded me of why I can’t give up on life.
As the celebrations for MacIntyre’s win echoed across the golfing community, the news of the passing of Rob Burrow, the former rugby league star, came into the news.
Rob passed away after a courageous battle with motor neurone disease.
A true warrior on and off the field, Rob had become an inspiration to many of us as he lived with the debilitating disease.
His strength and unwavering spirit touched the hearts of millions of us and transcended the sports community.
The loss of a true legend hit hard and as I watched videos of him online at his peak and how he lived with MND it was a reminder of how precious life is and how quickly it can change.
It was a reminder that no one is promised tomorrow and that we should live every moment with a passion.
I don’t know about you, but for me this week’s world of sport caused a mix of emotions which finally had me in tears when I sat to listen to Rob Burrow’s parting words. They rang loud and true in my mind as I prepare to face radiotherapy next week.
If you haven’t managed to hear it yet I would encourage you to sit down, take a moment and listen to one of the most powerful messages from an incredible human.
RIP Rob Burrow.
As the week progressed, my golf didn’t get much better but I was lucky to get closer to that 5km distance on foot.
Although my gravel bike has not seen the gravel roads on this trip, as you sit down to read this week’s column I will hopefully be on a mountain bike riding up the Cairngorms before I have to pack up and start the long drive to London.
Amidst all the rain and sun, and the hype of the Euros, the memory of Rob Burrow’s passing lingered in my mind, reminding me of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
As I sat watching the trees blow in the wind, I thought of how lucky I have been to have had the opportunity to spend these two weeks in Aviemore before I find myself sat everyday in the basement of UCLH.
As I finish this week’s column and before I get ready to go and hit more golf balls, I reflect more on the roller coaster of emotions that unfolded this week.
From the elation of Robert MacIntyre’s triumph to the heartache of Rob Burrow’s passing, this week’s sporting roller coaster took us from the joy of victory to the sorrow of loss.
It was a reminder that sport not only entertains us but unites us, inspires us, and touches our souls in a profound way.
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