Scog Blog: Glory Finds the Humble

Glory is a fleetiing notion that we all wish to capture as our own.

Photos By: James Lissimore

Glory is a fleeting notion we all wish to capture as our own. We seek it like a daydream of another life we could have had but didn’t have the courage to pursue. History books are chalk full of glorification of men and women we can’t help but admire. We can all assume that most of those characters, those honorable few, were humbled greatly by their conditions or station during the exact moments that would someday make them great. We need to make a clear distinction at this time that humiliation is not the equivalent of humility (the act of being humble). In fact, they are quiet opposite in nature, and in function as well. Racing is for the glory seekers who fight day-in and day-out for a sole moment or two of champagne soaked ecstasy. The true glory of being a champion usually fades quicker than the sum of all a rider’s worth; his legacy is based off of gratitude toward fans, media relations, racecraft, wins, and in the end humility.

We don’t have to look too far into the past to see how it has changed the perception of the fans. Carmichael and Stewart are two great examples of riders that came on so strong at an early age that they had no reason to be humble. They won often and easily, and on occasion when they were beaten they felt humiliated because they did not know how to handle it. Carmichael learned after his switch to Honda that he needed to do something different. The media, the fans were rebelling against him because they were tired of him winning and his anger at losing. It wasn’t that he was not respected for his place among the greats so early in his career; it was more the fact that he did not seem to appreciate what he had, where he was, and the impact he had on the sport. Stewart on the other hand, kind of had a raw deal from the beginning. He was following Ricky’s footsteps and the fans were tired of one winner, one champion over and over. Only once he had lost his edge on the competition week-in and out was it apparent that he had found appreciation in his talent and in his gift.

Tribulation builds appreciation.

Maybe a small comparison can be made to Kevin Windham in that aspect. He was a young brilliant rider who won often in the 125 class before becoming one of many of the should’ve-could’ve-would’ve’s to dethrone Jeremy. He walked away from the sport after being over the whole scene. He wasn’t enjoying it because the fight for glory constantly consumed him by eluding him. He spent time away and found the perspective he needed to rejoin the world he threw away. Maybe he saw life outside of racing wasn’t for him or was scary? Whatever got him to that decision doesn’t really matter to the fans who would eventually give him more glory than any champion received. He may not have all the trophies Carmichael has, but he left the sport with as much if not more admiration than all his competitors. Chad Reed has even followed suit somewhat. Humility is not his cup of tea, but he still drinks it from time to time.

The true question this season is what will make a champion: skill, corner speed, scrubbing ability, consistency, or the ability to push past one’s limits? When you read those qualities the names of Roczen, Canard, Dungey, and Tomac should appear. I would like to add humility to that list of qualifications of this year’s champion. Roczen suffered humiliation at his own hand in Oakland, once again not to be mistaken for humility. He has a way with the media that makes him well liked and respected; however he races with an aggression of a rookie at times and often has an excuse for a loss. He then backs it up with what he knows the media will want to hear, but something about it doesn’t seem genuine. Like he is a pro at giving the audience what they want without it being true.

Canard has suffered from humiliation and humility for years. Possibly more than any other rider at the top of the sport. With such highs and equivalent lows it seems he has found a way to be humble in all circumstances. He has a history of determination and close calls with huge injuries mixed in. He has the humility down just not the patience it seems. Dungey is an odd mixture of humility and patience, and in many ways he is the other half of what Canard needs. It is obvious that these two would be a perfect mix if they were one and the same on the track and off. Being available for fans and genuinely thanking those who have helped to push them to their current heights all scream of the people’s champions. We get so frustrated/upset when these riders do what they do (crash/hold back) because we want the best for them as we are invested emotionally in their stories.

Tomac is one of few who seems to have a grasp on perspective from day one.

Tomac is the outsider who has always kept a level head in regards to his career. He didn’t take the first opportunity to get a life away from his family like so many others. He has a different personality and is slowly showing more and more of it. He is not scared of any racer or getting aggressive yet he is not afraid to say he made a stupid move. He is genuine if nothing else, but that does not bring with it humility. He comes from a glorified background that has been a legend growing over his should since he can remember. How does that affect his growth as a star in the sport of SX? I think his genuineness overshadows and masks his fear of failure and fight against humility. He will become more and more the rider he wants to be and a rider to appreciate more as he evolves as a person. This is not to say each rider doesn’t require a different dose of humility to become the champion they need so desperately to be. If they were all perfect we wouldn’t have all the dynamics of personality conflicts and fan feuds.

Glory is the goal. Glory is the pressure that lies so heavily on their shoulders when they enter the ring of dirt and aggression. Only with time or a life changing paradigm shift do they finally see how to achieve the true glory. It will always appear at first as a trophy or number 1 plate adorning the room of accolades they want to share with the world. The lucky few will figure out that glory resides in the appreciation of what one has accomplished. No need to show it off to anyone, but others will then see it all the more clearly within them. Glory grows from the humility of achievements not coveted but well earned. Glory finds the humble.