Years ago in Southern California, back in the 90's, I had the chance to hang out with some NBA players that included a young Kobe and several of his Lakers teammates one night. I'd always hated the Lakers, Laker nation and all that. But Kobe is someone I had incredible respect for as an athlete.
As time passed and I learned about his fanatical dedication to practice, and continual improvement, howI felt about him went beyond just respect. It was something much more and I'm not even sure what the right word is.
With so many people saying so much about his tragic and untimely death, alongside his daughter Gianna, and seven other people Sunday, I wasn't planning on chiming in.
But as the day went on, I just couldn't stop thinking about it. His death shook me perhaps more than it should. After all we weren't friends, family, coworkers or associates. Having met tons of athletes and all kinds of celebrities, I'm typically not the type to be "starstruck."
Sunday afternoon I told my friend Brian Pinsky -- a man such a fan he named his own son Kobe -- the whole thing still isn't real to me and I guess for some of us this is just our way of helping process what took place.
As an athlete and a coach, in a way Kobe represented everything I'd like to see, both in myself and my clients and students.
When most players would do just what was required then call it a day, he was known for being on the court by himself into the late hours of the night practicing. He would show up hours earlier than anyone else. More practice.
I think the results have been self evident.
Five championships all with ONE TEAM.
Something so few have achieved.
His accomplishments and how he changed the whole game go well beyond that. But there'll be plenty others talking about it all so I'm not going to get into it here.
Excellence is never easy, but for those willing to work hard for it, give their all for it, doing the things that others don't so they can accomplish things that others won't, in life they can become legendary and even in death become immortal as their legend lives on. Forever.
May the Comfort of the Creator be with his friends, family, former teammates, and all affected by this most sorrowful event
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Black Mamba forever!
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The other victims of the crash have now all been official identified. Among them were a highly-regarded baseball coach and three young athletes. Sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.
more sports and physical endeavours than a crossfitter on crack! And has the x-rays to prove it. Currently no longer involved in competition, a lifelong fan of seeking excellence and being fit, MacArthur guides, instructs and motivates select few individuals seeking to make the most of their natural talent and abilities.
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Physical culturist and former multisport athlete, James MacArthur, has trained for, competed in, practiced and even failed at
