I have to ask the question of all athletes, whether they’re tennis players or golfers, soccer players or wrestlers. How much is enough? The reason this has come to the forefront of my mind today is because I just read about Venus Williams reaching the semi final in Zürich where she is expected to win her first WTA title of 2009, and the grand prize of $95,000! She must pay more than this amount in taxes every month! I understand that she wants to earn points to get a berth in the season ending championships in Doha, but again I have to ask, why? Is it pride? Is it the publicity she seeks to help promote her clothing line? Is she under a contractual obligation?

She’s 28, super rich, has more money than she will ever be able to spend in her lifetime, she has family and friends, and yet off she goes to Switzerland to play in a rinky-dink tournament to win a mere pittance in prize money. Playing in another tournament, even in picturesque Switzerland has got to be old hat for Venus. Away from her home, without her friends, having to get up early, and all the other restrictions that go with competing, has got to be chore. Maybe she has another reason to be in Zürich. Maybe she keeps her fortune in a bank there, or maybe she’s enjoying a week away with her boyfriend. Whatever her reason, it’s her business and not mine! I’m a big fan of Venus and am not picking on her or criticizing her, but she is typical of many wealthy professional athletes who continue to compete when the money they will earn can make no significant difference to their lifestyles. Where does this motivation come from? What is it that drives these athletes to compete? Obviously it’s not the money for many of them.

Are they so one dimensional that their sport is their only interest? Is being on centre stage so fulfilling that it’s like a drug they just get enough of? Maybe they have spent so much of their lives honing their skills to become the best that they are not prepared to find a new direction or purpose in their lives.
I suppose Tiger Woods wants to surpass Jack Nicklaus as the best golfer, and Roger Federer wants to hold more records than Pete Sampras, until generations from now someone will come along and obliterate all their records.

Surely being in the top 100 of any sport is an immense accomplishment for anybody to achieve, and earning $10 million over a span of 5-7 years is, in my estimation, enough money to enable someone to enjoy a very nice life. I’m sure there are plenty of successful athletes who’s names never hit the headlines anymore because they are enjoying the rewards that their chosen sport has given them, and my hat is off to them. If one of you has a moment would you please call Venus for me, I’m worried about her!

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