The Smooth & The Slide

Reading the tag of the new sportstalk contest #sportsfail I already started laughing because two extremely embarrassing scenes appeared in my mind on two different occasions in my teenage life.

Case number 1: the smooth

When I was very young, around 10 years old, I used to play football for whole days, especially in the summer season when schools were closed and we could dedicate ourselves to our greatest entertainment: the soccer ball. We used to gather near a square in our neighborhood where all the kids in the area gathered to play. We were a nice large group of about 20 players and we often split into 3-4 teams, organizing 30 minute mini tournaments. My role has always been a defender, I liked the contrast and I also had good times, in addition to an athletic and robust physique, I could hold up well the physical contrasts. But every now and then I would follow the attacking team trying to keep the defense high and participating in the offensive action as support.

Well, just during a counterattack by my team, I need a low but fast ball from the wing, I was in front of the opponent's goal. I tried to kick the ball without stopping it in order to give more power and speed to the shot but ... Alas ... I miss the ball and kick in empty. But it doesn't stop there ... In the momentum I lose my balance and go with my back and ass to the ground ... I think all the kids laughed for at least 5 minutes while I too laughed more out of embarrassment than for fun and this episode is there we still tell today after almost 30 years! What wonderful times the 90s!

Case number 2: the slide

In my life I have always loved sports and I have really practiced many, including swimming, I was about 20 years old. I learned all styles well, although the one in which I am really fast is freestyle, and for a year and a half I dedicated my concentration to this sport, also obtaining 6 patents and being able to participate in competitions, but a route that I have never undertaken because I no longer like competing in sports.

Before each lesson, in addition to wearing swimsuit, slippers and hair cap, before entering the pool it was necessary to take a quick shower in order to remove impurities, before entering the large semi-Olympic pool. One day, I arrived quite late in the gym, the shift had already begun and so I tried to speed up the dressing room phase. I ran into the pool and the coach reminded me to take a shower. Obviously the pavement was slippery and running the chances of slipping increase and in fact the divine punishment was punctual and I literally found myself upside down, falling noisily on the floor and attracting the attention of at least 50 people. If there had been a trap door under me, I would have opened it and I would have run out of the pipes or sewers.

But I had to get up quickly, laugh to adapt to the others and immediately dive into the pool, disappearing into the depths of its waters.

These were the sporting episodes of greatest embarrassment for me but after many years I admit they are really funny 🤣🤣