Editorial | Day of drama in sports should inspire us all

One of the big attractions of top sporting events is their ability to provide a little escapism – a temporary diversion from the world’s problems. Sport, at its best, is exciting, uplifting and inspiring. All these attributes were on display during a day of extraordinary sporting drama in Britain on Sunday, witnessed by millions of viewers around the world. Many stayed up late – or in some cases all night – to witness the finale.

The Cricket World Cup final between hosts England and New Zealand overlapped with the final of the men’s singles tennis at Wimbledon. Such was the excitement those two events generated, it was easy to overlook the motor racing at the British Grand Prix. Cricket has a reputation for being slow, technical and dull to all but its most devoted fans. But the World Cup, in which 10 nations competed, won many new converts to the game with nail-biting one-day matches.

England, with fortune smiling on them, won what must go down as one of the greatest matches in the sport’s history. They won the cricketing equivalent of a tiebreaker with the final ball of the day, by virtue of having hit more boundaries than their opponents. The match was played in a truly sporting spirit, watched by a thrilled multicultural crowd. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson accepted the heartbreaking defeat with much grace. “It just wasn’t meant to be,” he said.

Meanwhile, across London, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer were competing in what, at almost five hours, was the longest ever Wimbledon singles final. Djokovic came out on top, winning a third tiebreaker after the two gladiators were locked at 12 games each in the fifth and final set. This match was also played in a good spirit before an enthusiastic crowd. Sport has endured many scandals, from cheating to abuse of officials.

But both finals serve as a timely reminder of true sporting values. Great skill, athleticism, mental strength and team spirit were shown. Competing rivals showed respect for each other. While the finals, and the Grand Prix, were played at the highest level, those sporting values are open to us all. Sport should be encouraged, not just as a form of entertainment or a way of keeping fit, but for the wider benefits it brings.