Abby Wambach first came to my attention three years ago.
In July 2008, Wambach broke her leg in the United States’ final tune-up match before the Beijing Olympics — a devastating blow to an elite athlete.
Yet, instead of bitching and moaning, the then-28-year-old soccer player was the epitome of class, turning the focus away from herself and onto her teammates.
“Yes, I know I’m a very important player for the team,” Wambach told the Los Angeles Times. “But (the injury) made me realize even more how insignificant one player is in a team environment. It really does take a team to win championships.”
Wambach could no longer play, but she still could contribute, and she did by encouraging Natasha Kai, Lauren Cheney and Amy Rodriguez — the three players called upon to replace her.
“So many more people are getting involved. And I’m excited to see how it all turns out,” she said.
As you might remember, it turned out rather well, the Americans taking home the gold medal.
And as for her personal loss, Wambach said, “I don’t feel sorry for myself. I’m not going to cry victim. I’m a moving part on this team. I do not encapsulate the whole. I am a part.”
Sunday in Germany, Wambach, working as part of her team — as always — took a pass from Megan Rapinoe and headed it into the net in the 122nd minute of the match.
The latest goal ever scored in a Women’s World Cup match tied the showdown with Brazil at 2, forcing a shootout, which the Americans won to stay alive in the tournament.
This Sunday, they play Japan for the championship.
To the surprise of no one, Wambach credited a teammate.
“Megan Rapinoe just put that ball on my head. Luckily I didn’t miss and the rest is history,” Wambach said. “It was a perfect ball.”
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter shares Wambach’s propensity to deflect praise and preach team, but doing that Saturday proved impossible.
That’s because Jeter, needing two hits to become the first Yankee to reach the 3,000-hit plateau, went 5-for-5 with a stolen base and the game-winning RBI.
In the midst of a .257 season and talk that the 37-year-old veteran is no longer carrying his weight, Jeter responded with a magical performance that included a home run — his first of this season at Yankee Stadium — for hit No. 3,000.
Like Wambach, Jeter is an athlete who embodies effort and class. Players like that, regardless of the uniform they wear, are worth noting and emulating.
Christian Lopez apparently agrees.
Lopez, the 23-year-old fan who caught Jeter’s milestone home run ball, a man with $100,000 in student debt, didn’t even think about holding onto the ball to gain a big payday. He simply gave it to Jeter.
Why?
“Mr. Jeter deserved it,” Lopez said. “It’s all his.”
Mister Jeter. Ms. Wambach and, sure, for doing the right thing, let’s call him Mister Lopez.
If you’re a fan of class in sport, last week was a very good week, indeed.
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