Blast to the past

World sports moved on from the viral crown. Backwards, to the old normal. Venues are filled to the rafters. Unmasked. Elsewhere in the world, especially those who witnessed the Golden State Warriors win its seventh title overall and fourth crown in less than a decade. Indoors.

This may factor in unlocking whether a local government unit may legislate to allow masking optional. Outdoors. But it is better to bring it indoors, in the court of law that determines with authority and finality what is legal. But not necessarily what is right. Or beneficial. The court merely asks if it its lawful. It never asks if it is wise. It presumes wisdom in deference to separation of powers.

Many have answers, but no one asked the court yet. While they’re at it, the global sports community celebrates not only freedom from restrictions against the viral crown, it also toasts to those who are crowned. Rafael Nadal won a record-extending 14th French Open crown. Unthinkable. Perhaps unbreakable. World number one Iga Swiatek extended her winning streak to 35 matches, the last earned her second clay trophy. She could play Serena Williams at Wimbledon to settle who is the future between the present and the past.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce continues to run fast past her age beyond thirty and status as a mother. She just clocked 10.67 in the century dash, faster than all Filipino men except those in the national team. That fast. This is a vertically challenged woman who sprints to the irony of running supremacy, it’s not the length of stride but the speed.

Alex Eala may not have won the gold at the regional games, but she continues her strong presence in the international circuit. Her future remains bright, qualifying for the grand slam should be her next fight. Efren Reyes did not win gold at Vietnam, but he was treated more than gold. After warming up at the regional games with a record breaking jump, EJ Obiena vaulted to gold in Italy. Carlos Yulo brought his regional domination to the continent where he stamped his class at the Asian artistic championships in yet another warm-up arena for the worlds and Paris.

But the Filipino Flash was flushed down in a grudge rematch. Meanwhile, the greatest Filipino boxer who lost the presidency now contemplates on a ring comeback. Dangerous. He could succeed, but he could also recede. The people he represented well before the international community and the same people he hoped to serve have the shortest memory on earth. A loss or a knockout now erases all his triumph before. It’s recency, not primacy. Just because sports are back doesn’t mean everyone should be back. The clock doesn’t stop, but sometimes it tells us time is up.