Ever since I heard the message on my answer machine back in 2003 telling me that the baby I was carrying was a boy, I have had day dreams of Leo becoming a sporting hero. At times when I can’t sleep I imagine myself at Wimbledon on a sunny day watching him lead the final set, about to become the first Englishman to take the title in decades.
I do not limit myself to tennis. Now that he plays football three times a week I have also imagined him signing a multi-million pound contract with Chelsea and being the only man to help us beat Germany in a penalty shoot-out.
Despite the fact that it is an undeniably rough game I have also seen him as the next Jonny Wilkinson, helping England to glory in the rugby world cup. In this scene I am standing beside the original Jonny Wilkinson singing ‘Swing Low Sweet Chariot” and swapping tips on basic skills.
Little did I imagine though that Leo would show an incredible and quite startling aptitude for the one sport I can’t really get excited about……golf. Can you believe it? Rupert gave him a putter and a golf ball and he holed a twelve-foot putt. Could have been luck, thought Rupert. So he handed him another golf ball. Yep, he holed it again. Then he had a lesson and even Craig the young Scottish coach was impressed. He told Leo he could be better than Tiger Woods one day.
So now I have two golfers to deal with at weekends. Actually four, as the girls have taken it up as well, and very elegant they look too. Pics to follow. But for now you’ll have to make do with the Tiger. The best golfer the world has ever known…..until Leo hits the course.
Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2009
Spoken like a proud mother!
I suppose all mothers have great faith in their children’s abilities and I’m quite sure that in the majority of cases, the faith is far from misplaced. I still cringe when I hear my Mum proudly tell anyone who cares to hear that I managed to teach myself how to read at the age of one-and-a-half.
Hopefully, Leo won’t cringe at this one 🙂
UT
Hi Helena,
Is Leo right handed or left handed? My 5 year old son picked up a golf club a year ago and started hitting the balls like there’s no tomorrow. My husband was very excited! A future golfing partner.
I guess Leo is in for some competition! Who knows, I might see you on the golf circuit!
Take care,
Val
(Australia)
Sounds like a very expensive hobby. I hope Leo will support you in your old age when he becomes the next
Tiger Woods!