This past weekend, the sports world was dealt a major earth-shattering blow with the helicopter crash that claimed the life of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, and his daughter Gianna. Now in each sport, whenever there is a bright star that passes, there is always the doubt like “Can we go on?” or “Who do we look to toward carrying the torch as the face of their respective sport?
Sadly We’ve Been Here
The first thing that came to mind after learning about the death of Kobe. Was how eerie the feeling felt. Especially given the fact that the racing world has had to deal with the proverbial punch in the gut before. Take for instance February 18th, 2001 when our sport’s brightest star and most captivating figure Dale Earnhardt succumbed to injuries in the Daytona 500. Or back in 1993 when NASCAR lost Alan Kulwicki and Davey Allison to aircraft accidents. Each time we’ve had to deal with loss, of course, the question is how to grieve and how to go on as a sport?
Healing Will Occur
Each time always brings moments of healing, and courage to move onward among-st grief. I’ll never forget when Kevin Harvick took the former #3(renumbered 29) to Victory Lane at Atlanta. Then when Dale Earnhardt Jr. won at Daytona the first time since that fateful day in February 2001. While right now we all fans and friends alike are still in a state of disbelief. How a legend like Kobe could be gone too soon.
The man was not able to see his own kids grow, or see his rightful induction into the Hall of Fame. We have to understand at the end of the sadness that healing will occur. We have to make sure his legacy much like Dale Earnhardt’s legacy. Rightfully continues to be passed down throughout the years of the sport. Because that legacy and memory are what we as fans have to remember when that healing from the tragedy finally occurs.
Conclusion
On a concluding note, whether it’s in sports, racing or whatever, loss hurts, one may wonder how to move on. You should just know what the fallen hero would want, to urge you to carry on. From myself to all the other staff in the Belly Up Racing department, and Belly Up Sports. We spread our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kobe Bryant and all involved families in this tragedy. We all love you and we’re sorry for the loss of another legend.
