Barcelona's Argentianian forward, Lionel Messi, with his four FIFA Ballon d'Or trophies. (Photo/Getty)
We can all agree it takes a special kind of individual with drive, discipline, commitment, focus, and strength to be a professional athlete. Imagine adding a disability to the mix, along with the stress of instant fame and public scrutiny. Here are some of pro athletes who have face extreme adversities daily, and how they actually use them to excel in their professional game and life.
Brandon Marshall on the field. Image Source: ESPN
Brandon Marshall, the wide receiver for the Chicago Bears was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder in 2011. The disorder is a mental health condition in which people have a combination of unstable emotions, and impulsive actions, along with tumultuous relationships. In April 22, Marshall was a part of a domestic controversy where his wife stabbed him in the abdomen. The life defining moment pushed Marshall to reach out for help.
Marshall has, since then, become an advocate for the disorder which affects 2 percent of the population.
"There comes a time in a guy like myself's life, with everything that I've been through, that you become bulletproof to the critics and to what the world thinks of you," Marshall said in a 2011 interview with ESPN. "Right now, today, I am vulnerable. I am making myself vulnerable. And I want it to be clear that this is the opposite of damage control. The only reason why I'm standing here today is to use my story to help others who may suffer from what I suffer from. "
Marshall is also looking to eventually urge Congress for funding to assist in research efforts.
Lionel Messi raising awareness to the Fragil X, which is the most common known cause of autism. Image Source: Fraxa
Lionel Messi, Barcelona's star Argentinian forward, was diagnosed at age eight with Asperger’s Syndrome. The syndrome is a mild form of autism, which affects social interaction, repetitive motor skills and interests, as well as physical clumsiness. All of those qualities seem to be mandatory requirements for the game of soccer, so Messi had to deal with what some might consider an unfair advantage.
According to an article on Reddit, actually uses the characteristics of his disability to his advantage. "Messi always makes the same movements: almost always falls on the right, dribbles the same way and often makes that goal Cavadinha [a method of penalty kicks used by Messi], typical of him," says Vitulli, who played football and almost became a professional. "...thanks to the phenomenal memory that autistics have...He just repeats a familiar pattern. When he enters the area, you know that [he] will make [score, probably] the goal. And celebrating with that smile typical autistic, who fulfilled his mission and is relieved."
Tim Howard laser focused. Image Source: Sky Sports
Tim Howard, the U.S. record-breaking goalkeeper for this year's World Cup in Brazil has Tourette’s Syndrome. Tourette’s, which is usually linked to uncontrollable, twitches and cursing, is really involuntary tics and vocalizations and compulsive behavior. All of which make it sound impossible to get the job done of a goalkeeper, with all of the concentration necessary, but instead this has helped him immensely.
"It was not until I was 18 or 19 that I realized I was faster than others when it came to certain movements, and that these reflexes were linked to my disorder," Howard said in an interview with Spiegel Online. "By then I was already playing for the US national under-17 soccer team."
He says a doctor wanted to prescribe him drugs when he was diagnosed at 10, but his mom was against dulling his mind. What he says helped him most was meditation.
“I see myself as a positive example that Tourette's syndrome does not have to be an illness. It's just a condition, which still allows anyone to fulfill their dreams.”