CLASSY'S ALWAYS COOL: LIFE LESSONS FROM TOUR DE FRANCE & WIMBLEDON

Classy

Cool

Character

Just a few words that kept rattling 'round my head yesterday as steely-nerved cyclists careened about the English countryside and two titans of tennis battled at Wimbledon.

Classy gents, all cool under pressure, displaying great character and sportsmanship on their respective epic journeys. Whether screaming through two countries at the start of the grueling 3-week Tour de France test of grit or taking it to a 5th set on Center Court in one of the best matches in years.

Sad to see power sprinter, Mark Cavendish, so closing to winning the Tour's first stage in his mom's hometown of Harrogate, go down so dramatically. Yet, I was also so heartened and deeply moved that he didn't bemoan the cruel twist of fate when he was so close to potential victory or blame others when he was forced to bow out efore Sun. morning's start.

No, despite what must have been a crushing emotional loss (along with physical pain) in his homeland, Mark simply took full responsibility for leaning into Aussie Simon Gerrans while jockeying for position causing them both to tumble to the unforgiving street. He apologized to Simon at the finish line and also called him later that evening. One stand-up guy.

Pure class.

Unlike many injured athletes who whine and moan over cruel twists of fate, when he spoke to the media crush, Mark chose to put his accident into perspective and focus on others.

"To not be part of the next three weeks will be pretty difficult, but it could be worse.'

He added, "I've got friends who have come back from Afghanistan with the armed forces - you saw my Help For Heroes helmet on the first stage - and my friend Josh is a double amputee on his legs and is missing his right arm."

"He just sent me a message joking, 'I've got a spare arm for you.' I'm in the left-handed club with him for a while now, but it could be worse and it was my own fault at the end of the day."

Cool - in the face of calamity.

Gracious and grateful too - even in the worst of times.

Also so touching to see classy, beloved veteran Roger Federer keep on rallying in his classic Wimbledon battle with Novak Djokovic. The crowd was clearly on Roger's side, to pull out one more Wimbledon title as he heads further into his 30s, but it was not to be yesterday.

At the ceremony after the exhausting five-set duel, both men displayed such class and cool ('midst tears) in their emotional remarks. Both acknowledging their formidable opponent, understanding the giant place Wimbledon holds in tennis history, and deeply appreciating their supportive team and loving families through all the ups and downs of the past year for both of them.

Again, classy and so very cool.

Epitomizing true character!

For the men of the Tour de France and Wimbledon, thank you and well done!

Breathtaking weekend of cycling and tennis across the pond!

Cheerio, wonderful hosts and players. Til next time. . .

Glorious example of the three "C's"!

Engaging and inspiring people - of all ages - for all time!

And nary a World Cup waving-hands whine, "flop," or bite among them. . .

[I took this cool image in the English countryside while studying in Oxford and Vienna one magnificent spring quarter! And exploring iconic cities as well as lush, greener-than-green scenery - on the British Isles and the Continent. No bikes , just wee cars driven on the "other" side of the street. . . Photo by Linda Sorenson]

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Linda Sorenson helps people, projects, and causes make a positive impact. As a writer, editor, and consultant, she draws on her unique global experiences at pivotal moments in time to make a joyful difference through all she creates. Puppets, songs, and active fun of her Organic Puppet Theatre: Health Activities Book workshops, shows, camps, etc. have helped 20,000+ young children value their bodies and get healthier and more active around the world Learn more at her website and then connect with her. Take flight together today!

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