F1: Schumacher: Give us hope, Sabine

F1-legend Michael Schumacher has been in a coma for well over five months now. And the longer it takes to get some (good) news, the more frustrating it gets. Why don't we get any updates of the condition of our hero? In my eyes, Michael's manager Sabine Kehm is handeling the situation completely wrong.

Of course I understand that the last thing the family wants (and needs) now are journalists from all over the world who camp in front of the Grenoble hospital and keep asking questions. And if you keep in mind that some people have tried to get in Michael's room to get a scoop, it's clear the family is happy the whole Schumi story isn't in the news anymore.

But then there is us, Michael's long-time fans who are worried about his condition and we don't get any news either. We only get rumours that either give us more hope, or that take our hope away. And we don't even know if they are true. "Don't believe any rumours", is Kehm's message. Well, that gets pretty hard if you don't get any "official" news. The last official update from Kehm has been from months ago and since then the only "news" we got were denials of rumours. All good news of progress gets denied, so what are we left with?

I honestly can't imagine this is the right way of dealing with the situation. Now there are about every week new rumours, that have to be denied over and over again. Why doesn't she give a statement every week, it doesn't have to be much. If Michael is still in a coma, if the doctors are still trying to wake him up and just if there has been ANY progress in the last few months. Even if that means we get the same news every week, we then at least get some news. And I think we have the right to get some news. Keep fighting Schumi!

Catya Leroux

The Tears of the Blade Runner

Ah, Oscar Pistorius… The South African athlete who surprised the world by competing in the Olympic Games, although both his legs were amputated when he was 11 months old. His life was a dream, a fairytale. He had it all, the fame, the money, the respect. It was impossible not to look up and respect Pistorius. 

But on February 14 2013 that fairytale has gone terribly wrong. Pistorius shot his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who he thought was a burglar. Now, over a year later, the trial continued after a two weeks break. Several times the South African athlete broke down in tears during his trail and a lot has been written about those tears. “He should get an award for this performance” some said. According to others Pistorius even followed acting classes before his trail. Sounds a bit over the top, I think. But hey, people are prepared to do crazy things when their freedom is at stake. 

Is Pistorius faking his tears in order to convince the jury of his innocence? Could be. Maybe he’s a murderer and is willing to put up a show to stay out of jail. But there is also a chance that he’s just a broken hearted man who still can’t live with the fact he killed the woman he loved. That he’s a victim of his own horrible mistake. There are two sides to every story, we shouldn’t forget to also listen to Pistorius his side before we assume he’s a coldhearted murderer. 

Catya Leroux 

F1: Schumacher: 100 days of fighting

Today, April 9 2014, it's exactly 100 days since Michael Schumacher's horrible skiing accident. 100 days later and he is still in a coma in the Grenoble hospital. But last week we (finally!) got some good news, Michael would show moments of consciousness, awakening and according to some he would even make eye contact and respond to voices. It might seem small things but it sure is the best news we have had in those 100 days.

After 100 days, I still believe that Schumi will wake up. I know that it might sound naive and actually I'm very aware of that. And I don't mean that in a negative kind of way. I understand the chances of him waking up and being back as he was before his accident are very small. And they are getting smaller every day. They're small but they are there. There still is a chance he will wake up. And as long as there is even the smallest chance, I  believe in it. Someone once told us "we are always there, we always fight, we never give up... that's why we are here". And yes, that was Mr Schumacher himself. Michael has fought his whole life, from the moments the lights went off, till the passing of the finish line. And this, this isn't the finish line. We're still in the middle of the fight and this is a fight Michael will win.

Catya Leroux

Moto GP: The Return of Racing (and Marvellous Marc)

Since November 10 many racing fans have been waiting for this very weekend. The return of Moto3, Moto2 and of course MotoGP. After the long winter break and the pre-season testing, it's now time for the real work. Let's race!

What do I expect from this season? The same I expect every time, fantastic races and  breathtaking fights, racing on the limit, and maybe slightly over the limit. I expect most of #93, the worldchampion, Marc "Marvellous Marc" Marquez. He had an astonishing season last year, not to forget it was  his very first season in MotoGP. If he can become worldchampion, win 6 races, get 16 podiums and 9 poles in his first season, what on earth is he gonna do this year and the upcoming, let's say 10 years? The best is yet to come I think. This kid is special and it will be hard to stop him.

And what about Marquez's main opponent Jorge Lorenzo? Well, Lorenzo is a fantastic rider, absolutely no doubt about that! But he's clearly having a hard time fighting off the young, risky riding style of Marquez. And honestly I doubt if he's gonna be able to stop #93 this year. But I'm sure Jorge will do whatever he can to beat Marvellous Marc.

At the start of every season, I wish for the same thing, The Doctor, Valentino Rossi being back where he belongs, at number one. Some people think his time is over and it's time for him to retire and make place for some young riders. But I don't agree with that, even if Vale can't win races, MotoGP needs him. The fans need him but also his opponents need him. Rookies, like Marc last year, who grew up watching at Vale, need him. He has become a bit like the godfather of MotoGP. He's The Boss, the only boss. MotoGP won't be the same when Vale retires. But hey, that are problems for later! I know the changes of Rossi winning the world title aren't that big but the old man still has some tricks up his sleeve. What do I expect from him this year? Fearless battles with the young kid Marquez and yes, some victories. Just so you don't ever forget who The Doctor is! ;)

So yes, expectations are high, as always, because this is racing at its best, it doesn't get better than this. The long wait is over so gentlemen, start your bikes, the 2014 season is about to start! May the best man win!

Catya Leroux

Cycling: The Armstrong Factor

Oh yes, another article about one of my favourite subjects; Lance Armstrong! No week passes by without Lance being on the news, so there is always something to write about for me.

A couple of days ago I read a article about a man from Utah who had been sentenced for sending a threatening email to U.S. Anti-Doping Agency CEO Travis Tygart during the Armstrong investigation. Most people will think only completely insane people will sent emails like this but I don't think that's the case in the Armstrong story.

It seems you're now either completely against Armstrong or still right by his side, no matter what. It's very hard to be impartial about Armstrong. Every single person seems to have an opinion about him. Lance's influence is larger than he thinks, as the mail I was just talking about shows. Even now, I think his influence is larger than he could ever imagine. And I think he should be more aware of this, he should pay more attention to the people who are still by his side. Cause believe me, it isn't always easy! Don't have to tell you many people ask me "How on earth can you still support Armstrong?!" The answer is actually very simple; because he's my hero, he's always been and he probably always will...

There is just something about Lance Armstrong, a certain factor that makes him so very special. I'm not really sure what it is. It might be his huge charisma and his determination, not only in his cycling career but also in his ordinary life. Or maybe it's just the fact that he's a great manipulator and can make people believe whatever he wants. Is it that he has won against all the odds the fight against cancer and came back from it stronger than ever? Or is it that he got away with lying against everybody for over 10 years? Is it because he can speech so very well and can convice people so easily? Or that he, a normal boy from Texas became a Hollywood celebrity who dated movie starts and ownes the personal phone numbers of several US presidents? According to me it's the combination of all of this. There is just so much what Armstrong is, has done and said. He made himself impossible to forget. And that, is the Armstrong legacy.

Catya Leroux

F1: Kaiser Schumacher has become human again

A month has passed since Michael Schumacher's horrible skiing accident. A month has passed, and nothing has changed... Michael is still in the same condition as he was some days after his accident and more and more doctors say his coma shouldn't be this long. Will Schumi ever wake up? Nobody knows..but I won't stop hoping. What else can I do?! Give up on my hero?

Oh, I remember December 29 and the days after the accident very well, mostly because every day between December 29 and now, January 29, have been the same. No day has passed that Schumi hasn't been on my mind. Every day I keep hoping for some good news. To others, it might sound naive and unrealisitic to dream of a full recovery but I guess it's easier than dealing with the fact that my hero might never wake up again...

And just while I'm writting this I see an article that says that the doctors are trying to get Schumacher out of his coma and that his respons is positive. I really hope this is true and not just another rumour. Some people seem to think it's fun or entertaining to post messages (mostly on Twitter)  that Schumi would be awake or other messages that he died, people posting this without knowing anything about Schumacher's condition. Funny? Think it's funny to read your hero has died when you're living on hope for the passed month? Please think twice before posting things like that.

Now that's said, there is a completely other thing that strikes me in this whole situation. For the first time in his life and career, people see Michael Schumacher as more than seven Formula One worldtitles, as more than the arrogant German who raced dangerous. Now he is the F1-worldchampion, who's fighting for his life and this accident will be linked to him forever. And those seven worldtitles suddenly don't look that important anymore. It has become clear to me that many people have more respect for Michael now than before his accident. "Der Kaiser" has become human again. Michael Schumacher was seen by many as a robot, no emotions, no fear, all that matters was winning. But that was just how he was as a racer, not as a human. And now it has become clear again how fragile a life is and how quick everything can completely change...even for Michael Schumacher...

 "We are always there, we always fight, we never give up... that's why we are here." 

--- Michael Schumacher ---

 

Formula 1: One more victory Schumi!

I still find it hard to believe what has happend the last three days...Sunday there was the news that Michael Schumacher was in hospital after an accident during a skiing trip with his family. Nothing too serious so nothing to worry about, we thought. Monday Schumi was in coma and fighting for his life and now he still is. We, as fans, can't stop thinking about him and hoping that he will be ok. But we have faith, Michael will get his 92th victory, his most important victory ever. And we are be right here to support him, as always.

Some people find it hard to believe, but this is a very emotional time for me. I've got two major sports heroes in my life, two men I really admire. Lance Armstrong, which is pretty clear if you see most articles on this blog, and Michael Schumacher. And I can't imagine life without the two of them. Schumacher is a fantastic driver but he's also a lot more to me. He has been an example for many young racers. Sebastian Vettel is probably the most famous example, but sure isn't the only example. So many young people saw Schumacher's victories when they grew up and wanted to race as well, like their hero. I supported Schumi for years, he might have been a Mercedes driver but he was still my favourite. That makes a strong connection and when something like this happens, it's as if it's about a family member or a very close friend. That's how strong that connection is.

This is a just a horrible situation and the irony is just unbelievable. 19 years he has been racing at over 300 km/h and he has never been seriously injured, and now he's fighting for his life after a skiing trip with his family. No, Schumi, you're not gonna leave us like this. Michael has fought and won his whole life and he will win this fight as well. This is the most important race in his life and he will win and get his 92th, and most important victory ever. My thoughts go to the whole Schumacher family and friends who are staying with him during these very difficult times. I hope they can find support with each other and know that millions of people all around the world are thinking of them and praying for a happy ending. I hope they know that they don't have to go through this alone.

At the end, there is nothing else we can do but keep faith, hope and stay positive. Schumi said a couple of years ago: "Your ups and downs in sports, I think they are as normal as daily life: One day you wake up and feel great, the next day you wake up and feel maybe less great." This is just a down, but there will be an up. Once again, Michael Schumacher will do what everybody thinks is impossible. This isn't the finish line. So get well soon and see you later Champion!

Catya Leroux

Your ups and downs in sports, I think they are as normal as daily life: One day you wake up and feel great, the next day you wake up and feel maybe less great.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/michael_schumacher_2.html#rf07pd8Z7kZ68hRg.99

If you do things to the limit, and don't purposely go over that limit, then I think it's fine to do whatever you want. So long as you enjoy it. That's what's important.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/michael_schumacher_2.html#rf07pd8Z7kZ68hRg.99

If you do things to the limit, and don't purposely go over that limit, then I think it's fine to do whatever you want. So long as you enjoy it. That's what's important.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/michael_schumacher_2.html#rf07pd8Z7kZ68hRg.99

If you do things to the limit, and don't purposely go over that limit, then I think it's fine to do whatever you want. So long as you enjoy it. That's what's important.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/michael_schumacher_2.html#rf07pd8Z7kZ68hRg.99