- Former Los Angeles Lakers star, who was killed in a helicopter crash, had as strong a following in China as he had in the United States
The global outpouring of grief for Kobe Bryant from the sports, entertainment and political worlds proved the impact the basketball player had beyond the game in which he was considered a legend. His appeal was as strong in China as his homeland, the United States. His passing in a helicopter crash in California in which his 13-year-old daughter and seven others also died was received with shock and a sense of loss. The reason was simple: his passion, drive and determination made him an inspiration to many people. The tributes of admiration, love and friendship were effusive with praise and heavy with sorrow.
Former Lakers lead the way as China mourns Kobe Bryant
Bryant, 41, was among the most recognisable sports stars in China. He had a legion of fans enthralled by his two-decade career with the Los Angeles Lakers, who in turn have a strong following. Former Chinese teammates led the tributes on Weibo, among them Sun Yue, Yi Jianlian and Jeremy Lin, while celebrities including actress Kelly Lin Shi-lei joined tens of thousands of others in posting messages of sadness. Such an outpouring is understandable; from his gold-medal winning performance at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 through advertising and television appearances, including his own TV reality show, strong online presence and a charity in China focused on sports and education for youngsters, he was admired and lauded.
He was among the greatest-ever basketballers, being the fourth-highest scorer in the NBA when he retired in 2016. His two Olympic gold medals, five NBA championships and being named an NBA All-Star 18 times spoke volumes of his on-court skills. He even won an Academy Award for a five-minute film on the game he loved. But while his abilities were widely admired, it was the way he approached sport and encouraged the young to participate that made his name internationally known. As stars of soccer, golf, motor racing and a host of other disciplines variously pointed out in their tributes, it was his dedication, hard work, family values and belief in the importance of physical activity to help develop strong and healthy bodies and minds that made him such an inspiration.
Bryant was generous with his wisdom and eager to pass on what he had learned. He will be missed.
Copyright (c) 2020. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
