Kobe Bryant Once Took Up Daring 40 Mile Task in Peak Heat Just to Prove His Worth to Team USA Before the Olympics

The NBA recognizes Kobe Bryant as one of the greatest winners of all time. A cold-hearted assassin, the Black Mamba won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during his career. A truckload of accolades defined his legacy within the boundaries of the basketball floor. However, even after his tragic and sudden passing, Bryant left the sporting community with a priceless gift, his work ethic. Instilling and inspiring generations to come with his Mamba Mentality, the Lakers’ legend lives on.

There might be debates about who is the best player in basketball without the mention of Bryant. However, when it comes to hard work, not many can topple the 18-time NBA All-Star. Legends have shared crazy stories about the Mamba’s shocking dedication to getting better. Notably, Shaquille O’Neal remembered a time when Bryant didn’t even need a ball to practice. It was his iconic mentality that allowed him to push his limits.

And the Mamba Mentality never left his side. Even when entering the later stages of his career, he didn’t lose his focus. As a competitor first, Kobe wanted to send a message in the USA camp before the 2012 Olympics. Likewise, a 40-mile bike ride in the scorching heat is what he came up with.

Kobe Bryant never stopped

The Los Angeles Lakers hadn’t made the NBA Finals in two years at the time. Kobe Bryant was heading into the end of his career at the age of 34. His out-of-the-world work ethic though saw him linger among the top payers in the NBA. Coming off a season averaging 27 points per game, the five-time champion focused his attention on the international stage.

After an emphatic gold in his Olympic debut in 2008, Bryant was hungry for more. The stars of the future such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant were a part of the group. However, before the stage was set, the 2008 MVP wanted to send a message to his teammates.

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Bryant put his psychological warfare in place. Leading the team yet again, at the age of 34, Bryant showed Team USA he was still willing to work harder than anyone else. And Anthony Katz, a sports recovery expert dictated the Hall of Famer’s plan of action. He said: “After Kobe arrived, he went on a 40-mile desert bike ride in 104-degree heat, just to send a message to everyone.” 

Despite not winning championships, nothing was going to stop Kobe Bryant from being the hardest working athlete. Outworking the Black Mamba was a feat arguably no one could achieve. A competitor of the highest quality, the Black Mamba’s mentality was unbreakable. Likewise, he powered Team USA to follow in his steps. They won their second consecutive gold medal in what would be Bryant’s last showing at the Olympics.

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Athletes from all over the world found inspiration in Kobe Bryant as he pushed his limits every single day. His mindset became a culture and set the bar among upcoming athletes. As the future stars use his teachings, Bryant’s legacy will undoubtedly always go on even, outside the world of basketball.