PDF Summary:Tiger Woods, by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian

Tiger Woods transformed golf into a globally recognized phenomenon and cemented his status as an iconic athlete. In Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian, the complexities of Woods' life unfold, from his meticulous cultivation as a golfing prodigy to the scandals that shattered his public image and the injuries that hindered his later career.

The authors provide an inside look at Woods' tumultuous personal relationships, the intense coaching and parenting methods that shaped him from a young age, his unrelenting drive to dominate, his infidelities and gender struggles, his reliance on medication, and ultimately his pivotal downfall—offering a nuanced portrait of a flawed legend.

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Tiger Woods' life was marked by personal battles, public disputes, and contentious episodes.

Earl's infidelity created a turbulent atmosphere within the family.

This section of the narrative explores the intricate and demanding aspects of Tiger Woods' family history, shedding light on the tense relationships he had with his parents and their significant impact on his development and psychological health. Benedict and Keteyian delve into the tumultuous dynamics between Earl and Kultida, characterized by Earl's habitual infidelity and his continuous emotional disregard and mistreatment of his spouse. Kultida made efforts to shield Tiger from the distressing truths, but he eventually grasped the true nature of his father's behavior. Tiger Woods reached a deeply unsettling realization that would forever alter his viewpoint on marriage, familial bonds, and interpersonal connections.

Earl's infidelity, along with the absence of emotional support and harsh language, marked the nature of his marriage with Kultida.

Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian highlight the distressing elements of Tiger Woods' parental dynamics, noting that strife characterized their union from the beginning. When Earl went overseas for his first tour of duty in Vietnam, he effectively became an absentee father, neglecting his wife and their three young children. Upon returning home, he deepened his detrimental habits by retreating to a space where he would indulge in smoking and drinking, simultaneously sharpening his golfing abilities with great dedication. Kultida, shaped by a culture that esteemed male dominance, allowed such behaviors as she focused on raising her child and steering him on a path to become an eminent athlete. Benedict and Keteyian meticulously document Earl's habitual infidelity, his penchant for younger women that started during his first marriage, and the persistence of this behavior into his marriage with Kultida.

Discovering his father's infidelity towards his mother tested the strength of Tiger's relationship with Earl.

This section of the text reveals a profoundly personal and troubling aspect of Tiger's father's infidelity. In a sequence of personal phone calls, as chronicled by Benedict and Keteyian, Tiger Woods shared his deepest reflections with Dina Gravell. The book explores the intricate emotional landscape that Tiger navigates, blending his deep love and admiration for his father, often referred to as his closest advisor and hero, with his sense of betrayal and irritation originating from his mother's actions. The growing rift and Tiger's actions were clear signs of the deep turmoil he was going through.

Kultida strove to maintain a stable environment and shield Tiger from the detrimental aspects of her marital relationship.

Benedict and Keteyian detail Kultida's dedication to protecting her son from the unhealthy aspects of his parents' relationship. She focused on creating an environment that emphasized education and politeness, while reducing the influence of her spouse's unfaithfulness and his propensity for abrupt outbursts of anger. Kultida and Earl had entered into matrimony yet started residing separately when Tiger initiated his career in professional golf. The authors note that this decision cultivated a semblance of family unity frequently displayed to those beyond their intimate circle. Kultida concentrated on preserving Tiger's carefully crafted public image, making sure he was shielded from the turbulent realities of his family background.

Tiger Woods faced difficulties in forming intimate bonds and dealt with the repercussions of his swift rise to stardom.

This section explores the complex and often challenging personal interactions that Tiger faced, emphasizing his battle to sustain lasting relationships with women. The book explores the impact of Tiger Woods' early brush with fame and the overwhelming expectations to achieve perfection, along with the controlling nature of his parents, on his social development. Tiger's inclination towards brief relationships as a source of temporary comfort was heavily influenced by his father's conduct with women. The account details the events leading up to the difficult conclusion of his first love affair, highlighting the significant impact his parents had on the decisions he made in his life.

The upbringing and interpersonal skills of Tiger Woods were profoundly influenced by the strong guidance of both his mother and father.

The meticulous attention given to Tiger's early years by his parents, as explored by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian, hindered his ability to develop socially and establish meaningful relationships outside of his immediate family. His upbringing was heavily shaped by his parents, who carefully orchestrated his schedule, focusing his early life predominantly on the sport of golf and the aspirations they held for him. He faced restrictions that prevented him from engaging in typical teenage experiences, including going to social events, dating, or spending time with friends. While Tiger was sharpening his extraordinary sports skills, he simultaneously skipped over important stages of personal development that are key to nurturing emotional maturity and social skills.

Tiger Woods frequently found it challenging to form genuine connections with the opposite sex, leading to a series of short-lived encounters.

This section of the narrative delves into the complex interplay of Tiger Woods' engagements with women, illustrating how experiences from his formative years cultivated a reliance on transient connections. Tiger Woods did not need to develop romantic skills. Tiger Woods' fame and wealth attracted many women, eliminating his need to develop meaningful relationships or invest time in creating lasting connections. Woods' tendency to engage in short-lived intimate relationships mirrors the behavior of his father, suggesting the deep and unintended influence of his early family environment, which was fraught with challenges.

The end of his first serious romantic relationship emphasized the strong control his parents had over his life.

The narrative by Benedict and Keteyian brings to light the distressing end of Tiger Woods' relationship with Dina Gravell, his first love from high school. They emphasize the significant support Gravell offered Tiger, especially upon uncovering his father's infidelity. The authors emphasize Gravell's discomfort stemming from the strained atmosphere near Tiger's home, her willingness to adapt to his schedule, her enthusiasm to support him in his endeavors, and the deep affection she felt for him. Tiger Woods ended their involvement with a handwritten "Dear John" letter to Gravell. The revelation of a dubious shoulder injury right before an important college competition, coinciding with the conclusion of a romantic relationship, highlighted the degree to which his parents dominated aspects of his private life.

The incident with Mindy Lawton led to an effort by tabloids to extort.

This section of the narrative explores the beginning of Tiger Woods' downturn, highlighting a pivotal event that exposed his affairs and subjected him to the scrutiny of sensationalist media. The book by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian chronicles the extramarital relationship between Tiger Woods and Mindy Lawton, a server at an eatery he often visited with his spouse, Elin. The National Enquirer, after uncovering the extramarital affair, began a secret investigation and eventually gathered evidence indicating that Tiger Woods and Rachel Uchitel appeared to be engaged in a romantic liaison. The event threatened the public image of the renowned golfer, leading his team to swiftly intervene to minimize the fallout. Benedict and Keteyian detail the clandestine negotiations undertaken by IMG on behalf of Tiger Woods, which resulted in a deal that halted the publication of an Enquirer article in exchange for Tiger granting an exclusive interview to Men's Fitness, a publication within the same corporate family.

The National Enquirer carried out a probe into Tiger Woods' affairs outside his marriage within the nightlife of Orlando.

The writers detail the National Enquirer's tireless pursuit of information regarding the off-course romantic entanglements of the famed golfer, especially focusing on his nighttime visits to a range of entertainment spots in Orlando. Upon being tipped off about Woods' extramarital escapades in Orlando, the Enquirer swiftly assigned a team of reporters, photographers, and informants to monitor his nocturnal endeavors. The publication was known for providing significant monetary incentives for exclusive photographs and confidential details. Woods' penchant for secluded VIP areas and his hesitance to be seen in public with women posed a significant obstacle for tabloids seeking concrete evidence.

IMG negotiated with the Enquirer, resulting in the quashing of a potentially damaging article, with the condition that Tiger Woods would provide an exclusive interview to Men's Fitness.

Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian reveal the lengths to which IMG went to hinder the Enquirer's investigation. Upon learning from the Enquirer about the substantiated information regarding Tiger Woods' involvement with Mindy Lawton, IMG engaged in intense negotiations with the publication. IMG knew that releasing the story could tarnish Tiger's image and possibly lead to the loss of valuable endorsement deals. A deal was struck that effectively blackmailed Tiger into giving an exclusive "cover story" interview to Men's Fitness - another publication owned by American Media Inc. - in exchange for the Enquirer killing its scandalous story about Lawton.

The attention of tabloids momentarily shifted focus due to a feature article in Men's Fitness, which acted as a fleeting safeguard for Tiger's public image.

Tiger Woods' tale graced the June 2007 issue of Men's Fitness, as chronicled by Benedict and Keteyian. Johnson, a former Sports Illustrated contributor, portrayed Woods as a dedicated athlete, deeply devoted to his family, his athletic career, and his physical fitness. The article's emphasis on his workout routine effectively shifted attention away from his personal life, calming the rumor mill in the tabloid press. The authors note that while this approach was designed to avert a PR crisis, it inadvertently reinforced Tiger's belief in his ability to surpass normal boundaries without suffering negative consequences.

The repercussions following the SUV accident.

This section of the narrative depicts the disintegration of the carefully constructed public image of Tiger Woods, alongside the deterioration of his marriage, highlighting the events that transformed how the public viewed him from admiration to a view marred by scandal. The story told by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian reveals how Tiger Woods's private affairs came to light when multiple women who had been intimate with him shared their accounts with the media in exchange for substantial monetary compensation. After a brief attempt at damage control, Tiger realized the futility of his denial and issued a public apology. The repercussions of the scandal had a profound impact on Tiger Woods' relationships, leading to a significant deterioration, especially in his relationships with Steve Williams and Hank Haney. Elin initiated the steps to end her marriage after acquiring more information.

Tiger Woods' extramarital affairs drew significant attention from the National Enquirer along with comparable tabloids.

Benedict and Keyetian recount the gradual unveiling of the secretive life led by Tiger Woods, which intensified due to a series of controversies that were leveraged by competing gossip publications for their advantage. Evidence of his infidelity emerged swiftly, each instance corroborated by photographic or electronic evidence. The Enquirer exposed his secret affair with Rachel Uchitel, who was employed at a New York nightclub. The magazine Us Weekly exposed details of his interactions with Jaimee Grubbs, including emails, text messages, and voicemail recordings. The infidelities of Tiger Woods, involving numerous women from various professions such as the adult entertainment sector, service industry staff, and individuals paid for their company, came to light one after the other. With every revelation, his carefully constructed public image suffered more damage, eroding the trust that had been bestowed upon him by the public.

Tiger Woods' abrupt severance of professional relationships with Hank Haney, along with his strained exchanges with his caddie, Steve Williams.

The authors emphasize that Woods' decline had a negative impact on his personal relationships, including the strained bonds with his loyal caddie Steve Williams as well as his swing coach Hank Haney. Former confidants within Tiger's close-knit team, both were unexpectedly caught off guard by the scandal and experienced a profound sense of betrayal because he did not acknowledge their unwavering loyalty and support during those difficult times. Williams felt his reputation was damaged by his association with Tiger's actions, which also strained his strong relationship with his wife, Kirsty, who shared a close relationship with Elin. Haney also felt that Tiger was downplaying his dedication, assigning him a role that was more marginal. The events leading to their eventual breakups would permanently alter these once strong bonds.

Elin discovered Tiger's multiple infidelities, which resulted in their divorce and a monetary agreement that is believed to be around 100 million dollars.

Elin was profoundly shocked to learn about the extensive infidelity of her spouse. The first disclosure of Tiger Woods' infidelity with Rachel Uchitel sparked significant chaos, leading to a series of incidents that began with a confrontation and ended with his hasty exit from his home, ultimately leading to a catastrophic car accident. She faced the painful reality that the person she had given her deepest trust had been deceiving her for a long time. During difficult times, Elin sought comfort and companionship with her family, particularly her sister and mother, who traveled from Sweden to be with her. She ultimately resolved to seek advice from her legal counsel and dissolve the union. The authors elaborate on the conversations and underscore the financial consequences of the separation, culminating in a settlement that exceeded one hundred million dollars.

His reputation was subsequently affected by the treatment he received for sex addiction.

This section explores Tiger Woods' strategies for dealing with the fallout from his extramarital affairs as he worked to repair his image and limit the damage. Before returning to competitive golf, Woods issued a public apology at the headquarters of the PGA Tour, an event that Benedict and Keteyian have recorded. They also detail his involvement in a Mississippi initiative aimed at treating sexual addiction, during which he confronted his deep-seated insecurities and the consequences of his actions. Despite his attempts to lessen the fallout, the scandal concerning his unfaithfulness in marriage significantly affected his business relationships, leading to the end of numerous lucrative contracts with well-known firms.

Tiger Woods issued a public mea culpa for his behavior at the headquarters and sought forgiveness.

On February 19, 2010, at the Florida headquarters of the PGA Tour, Woods presented a carefully planned expression of remorse. Tiger stood before a select group of colleagues, a few members of the press, and his intimate circle, delivering a sincere, impromptu address that spanned thirteen minutes at a lectern, during which he acknowledged his infidelity, conveyed remorse for his actions, and asked for forgiveness. This instance, which was transmitted globally, marked a significant shift from his previously meticulously constructed public image, showcasing a level of humility and openness not observed before.

Tiger Woods acknowledged his vulnerability and the significance of obtaining help while engaged in Pine Grove's Gratitude program for sex addiction.

The story recounts Tiger Woods' initiation of his recovery from sex addiction by joining a treatment program at Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, beginning this process just after the holiday season of 2009. The program's detailed strict routine emphasizes the necessity of daily group therapy sessions and highlights the crucial phase of admitting previous missteps, in addition to accepting one's own powerlessness over their addiction, as they advance on the path to recovery. The book also sheds light on the distressing moment when Tiger had to confront his wife, Elin, during "Family Week" at his treatment, where he completely revealed the full scope of his extramarital affairs.

The aftermath of the scandal significantly damaged Tiger Woods' reputation and adversely affected his endorsement agreements, including his partnership with Accenture.

The investigation by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian reveals the profound effects Tiger Woods' infidelities had on his public image and sponsorship deals. The book describes the steps taken by major companies like Accenture, AT&T, Gatorade, as well as the esteemed timepiece brand Tag Heuer, and Gillette to distance themselves from his compromised reputation. Even as his income from sponsorships diminished, reflecting a shift in public perception, a handful of companies, notably Nike and Electronic Arts, remained supportive, playing a key role in preserving his carefully constructed public persona.

Practical Tips

• Reflect on your personal relationships by journaling to identify patterns that may stem from your upbringing. Write down your thoughts and feelings about your relationships with family and friends, noting any recurring themes or behaviors that might be linked to how you were raised. For example, if you find that you struggle with trust or intimacy, consider whether these issues may relate to past experiences in your family life.
• Create a "relationship roadmap" to better understand your emotional needs and expectations. Draw a simple chart with two columns: one for the qualities you seek in relationships and another for the qualities you offer. This exercise can help you become more aware of what you're looking for in connections with others and whether you're communicating these needs effectively.
• Practice expressing gratitude in your daily life to build resilience against negative influences. Start a gratitude diary where you note down three things you're thankful for each day. This can help shift your focus from external validation, such as public image or approval, to internal appreciation of your personal values and relationships.

Tiger Woods underwent a decline in his physical health as a result of multiple injuries and the surgeries that followed.

The Toll of an Aggressive Style and Early Knee Problems

This section of the analysis explores the decline of Tiger Woods' physical condition as a result of sustained intense athletic activity, emphasizing the lasting impact of prioritizing power and reach at the expense of a prolonged career. The authors consistently emphasize a central theme: Tiger Woods' relentless pursuit of excellence, fueled by an intense internal drive to succeed, pushed him to participate in competitions despite pain and accelerated his return after surgeries. The writers document the early signs of knee problems, which culminated in a crucial ACL operation in 2008, a procedure that changed his style of play and set off a chain of further operations and attempts to regain his previous level of skill.

Tiger Woods' inclination for forceful strokes and extended drives played a role in the early emergence of knee problems during his professional career.

Initially, Tiger Woods focused on refining his swing to boost his strength and extend his distance. The writers suggest that while his powerful swing provided a competitive edge, it concurrently precipitated early injuries and placed considerable stress on his body, particularly impacting his left knee. The authors meticulously describe Tiger Woods' tendency to favor forceful strokes rather than tactical gameplay, a practice his mentors, including Butch Harmon, cautioned could lead to bodily injury.

In 2008, after undergoing a procedure to repair his ACL, Tiger Woods had to modify his approach to the game and make adjustments to his swing, which interfered with his season of competition.

This section details the first major surgery for Tiger, highlighting the severity of his ACL injury, which was repaired in April 2008. Benedict and Keteyian emphasize in their portrayal of the medical evaluation that Tiger's knee contained an anterior cruciate ligament which had sustained 80% damage. Tiger Woods's professional journey reached a turning point when he had to step away from the game for a considerable part of the season, which paved the way for further surgeries and arduous attempts to regain his previous level of skill.

Tiger Woods' relentless pursuit of excellence meant he willingly faced hardships while practicing and when he first attempted to return to the PGA Tour.

The writers explore Tiger Woods' unyielding quest for excellence, emphasizing his extraordinary capacity to endure pain and his often willful neglect of medical advice. Benedict and Keteyian document the instances when Woods returned to the PGA Tour before he had completely recovered from his surgeries. He persevered with his training sessions, visibly struggling and often limping, while relying on potent painkillers to manage his discomfort. This cycle of conduct, driven by his deeply ingrained belief that victory was imperative regardless of the consequences, led to a relentless sequence of injury, surgical intervention, insufficient healing time, and subsequent injuries.

Engaging in weightlifting, undergoing SEAL-inspired training routines, and having several surgeries led to certain outcomes.

The authors explore the connection between Woods' intensive workout regimens and the decline of his physical health, highlighting that his unyielding pursuit of increased muscle strength and endurance contributed to his numerous injuries. The authors detail how his rigorous regimen of strength training, participation in demanding SEAL drills, and the aggregate impact of multiple surgeries impeded his body's natural recovery processes. They explore the repercussions of dependence on analgesics and the unforeseen results of utilizing pharmaceuticals to mitigate pain without confronting the actual bodily damage.

Tiger Woods' intensive strength training regimen, which resulted in increased muscularity, altered how he swung the club and exerted pressure on his physique, particularly affecting his knee.

The book explores the transformation of Woods' physique and the subsequent impact on his golfing abilities due to his strict regimen of weight training. During his college days, he was deeply driven to boost his physical strength and stamina, aiming to exceed the usual strength training standards of fellow golfers. Tiger Woods' story features his engagement with a sophisticated training facility at Stanford, emphasizing his tendency to engage in weightlifting and squat exercises with weights that exceed the usual benchmarks set in sports like football and basketball. Tiger Woods' obsession with building muscle mass negatively impacted the previously inherent fluidity and flexibility that was a hallmark of his swing in golf.

Tiger Woods' dedication to intense exercise routines, influenced by military protocols, contributed to his bodily complications and presented considerable hazards.

Tiger Woods' physical challenges may be partially ascribed to his participation in intense workout routines that are similar to military training. The book details Tiger's revelation to his father about his deep interest in the SEALs and his desire to join the elite fighting force, a feeling he expressed following the passing of his father. Woods underwent rigorous physical training, including parachute jumps and urban warfare drills, alongside active duty SEALs at a military base referred to as Fort Bragg. The authors suggest that his inclination towards adventurous and risky activities likely contributed to the emergence of his health problems.

The cycle of having surgeries and trying to return to the game before he was completely healed intensified his reliance on medications designed to alleviate pain.

The book by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian chronicles the numerous health-related procedures the famous golfer underwent and his ensuing journey to recuperation. The authors detail the extensive medical procedures Woods underwent, including multiple knee surgeries to remove benign tumors and reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament, an operation on his shoulder to fix a damaged rotator cuff, and a series of four back surgeries that involved removing worn-out cartilage and fusing together spinal bones. The authors highlight the golfer's habit of accelerating his recuperation post-surgery, fueled by a fervent eagerness to return to the competitive realm of golf and his reliance on pain medication, which aggravated his situation and paved the way for additional injuries.

He endured persistent discomfort in his back because of a broken shinbone.

The authors explore a pivotal moment in Tiger Woods' career, examining how he masked his substantial pain from a severely affected left knee during the 2008 US Open by using painkillers. Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian emphasize the severity of his health challenges, which included a stress-fractured tibia and a fully torn anterior cruciate ligament, and they highlight the extraordinary improbability of not only finishing the competition but also triumphing in a grueling sudden-death playoff. His remarkable performance, lauded for demonstrating his tenacity and determination, ironically marked the onset of his decline in physical well-being. The book elaborates on Tiger Woods' persistent struggles with spinal problems throughout his professional life, which were further complicated by shin bone fractures.

Tiger Woods displayed extraordinary determination by participating in the 2008 US Open, even though he was dealing with a fractured shinbone and a damaged anterior cruciate ligament.

Despite having a fractured shinbone and a damaged anterior cruciate ligament, Tiger Woods achieved a remarkable victory at the 2008 US Open. They delve deeply into Tiger's interactions with a variety of medical professionals, alongside his work with his caddie and swing coach, while maintaining secrecy about the full severity of his physical state. Tiger Woods' legendary status was cemented by showcasing remarkable resilience, enduring pain and obstacles to ultimately triumph over Rocco Mediate following a tiebreaker round. However, the authors emphasize the hidden costs: Tiger's disregard for his body's limitations exacerbated his injuries, resulting in a continuous cycle of pain, surgeries, and risky efforts to come back to the game that plagued his career.

Woods was forced to withdraw from several events because his ongoing back pain originated from his stress fractures.

The authors stress the unexpected consequences that arose from Tiger's unyielding quest for triumph. Competing in the US Open, Tiger Woods endured significant discomfort due to stress fractures in his tibia in 2008, which precipitated a cascade of biomechanical complications affecting his neck and lower back. Tiger Woods' persistent health issues, exacerbated by his rigorous workout routine and participation in demanding SEALs military-style exercises, led to his absence from numerous tournaments, highlighting that his strong appearance belied an underlying susceptibility.

In 2014, Tiger Woods underwent his fourth major surgery, which involved the fusing of his spinal vertebrae.

This section of the narrative examines a pivotal moment in Tiger Woods' career, focusing on his decision to undergo his fourth major surgery, a procedure designed to alleviate the chronic back discomfort that was affecting his ability to swing. During a training session, Tiger Woods experienced such severe pain that it caused him to collapse. The authors emphasize the stark reality that, even with his unparalleled natural talent, the golfer reached a point where his own body became his greatest opponent.

His attempts to revive his career were unsuccessful, culminating in the end of a distinguished era.

This section of the story chronicles the troubling decline of a previously unmatched sportsman as he strives to reclaim his past dominance in the latter part of his extraordinary sports career. The publication authored by Benedict and Keteyian documents the various attempts to rejuvenate a professional trajectory.

Other Perspectives

• While Tiger Woods' aggressive style may have contributed to his injuries, it's also possible that his injuries were exacerbated by factors outside of his control, such as genetics or the natural wear and tear that comes with aging and professional sports.
• The powerful swing may have been a factor in early knee problems, but it's also a common element among professional golfers, suggesting that the sport itself inherently carries risks of injury.
• Modifying his approach to the game after ACL surgery could be seen as an adaptation to maintain a high level of play, which many athletes must do as they age or encounter physical challenges.
• The hardships faced while practicing and returning to the PGA Tour demonstrate a high level of commitment and resilience, which could be viewed positively as a testament to his dedication to the sport.
• Intensive workout regimens and surgeries might have impacted his physical health, but they also could have been necessary for maintaining competitive performance and recovering from injuries.
• The weightlifting regimen that altered his swing and affected his knee could also have provided the strength and power that contributed to his success on the golf course.
• Intense exercise routines, while contributing to bodily complications, may also have been part of a broader strategy to achieve peak physical condition, which is often required in elite sports.
• The reliance on pain medications following surgeries and early returns to the game could be criticized, but it's also important to consider the context of managing pain to continue competing at a high level.
• Enduring persistent back discomfort and competing despite injuries could be seen as a lack of self-care, but alternatively, it could be viewed as a display of extraordinary determination and competitive spirit.
• Participating in the 2008 US Open with significant injuries could be criticized for risking further injury, but it also showcased an exceptional level of perseverance and mental toughness.
• Withdrawing from events due to back pain might suggest a failure to manage his health, but it could also be seen as a prudent decision to prioritize long-term well-being over short-term gains.
• The decision to undergo spinal fusion surgery in 2014 could be questioned, but it might have been the best available option to address chronic pain and attempt to continue his career.
• The unsuccessful attempts to revive his career could be framed not as a failure but as a natural progression for an athlete facing the inevitable effects of time and physical strain.