IF you study the life cycle of any prominent world-class athlete, their public perception follows four distinct stages. First comes the "excitement" period, when they are young, showing great promise and continually improving. The public senses the best years are to come and are intoxicated by the anticipation.
Then comes "vindication." The athlete is on top of the world. They are winning consistently, breaking records, bringing home the glory. It's all euphoria and kudos.
