Everyone loves a winner. That's why successful sportsmen and women are such hot property with sponsors and the public; their success reflects on us all, we want to be associated with them and their deeds.
At the top level, profile is everything and the rewards of constantly seeking the media spotlight are immense. But there is a downside to all this publicity. When a high-profile personality steps out of line, there is likewise a significant degree of public and media interest in that too.
So it should come as little surprise that in today's paper, local driving ace Earl Bamber features prominently after appearing in court and admitting drink driving.
The Wanganui Chronicle has in recent months taken a stand on drink driving. We have undertaken to publish the names of everyone convicted in Wanganui District Court, as well as some of our surrounding courts.
Some people have taken issue with this approach but they fail to apportion the blame where it lies - on the individual who chose to drive. The law is quite clear, and no one could argue the issue hasn't been subject to considerable publicity. There simply are no excuses.
In Bamber's case, it is pure luck that meant he avoided serious injury to himself or others. It was revealed in court that he was pulled over due to the manner of his driving, and was found to be almost twice the legal limit.
As much as we don't like to deal in what-ifs, you have to wonder at how much his supporters would continue to back him had he not been stopped but had gone on to crash, injuring some innocent party. It is not outside the realms of possibility.
It is understandable that people, especially those in Wanganui who have supported him since he first showed glimpses of his undeniable talent, would not want to jeopardise Bamber's future. His success has reflected positively on the city and the people who have backed him down the years.
The mark of this talented young man will be in how he deals with this turn of events. Likewise, his supporters. Do they pull the plug and stymie his career or follow through on their desire to see him achieve as much as he can in motor racing?
History suggests Bamber's situation is not beyond redemption.
Consider all the sporting stars who likewise have had their runs-ins with the law or endured bad publicity over some foolish action, publicity that has been exacerbated by their profile. A quick run through of this year's All Blacks is illustrative - Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Mils Muliana and Sitiveni Sivivatu have all erred but it hasn't held them or their careers back. Stars from other sports have also had their issues.
Genuine talent is something Earl Bamber has in abundance. It is up to him how he responds.
It would be nice in years to come to think of him atop the podium reflecting on life's journey, reflecting on this episode among the events that has shaped him and made him stronger - that's what true champions do.
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