January 26, 2025, marks the fifth year of Kobe Bryant’s passing. Unbelievable, isn’t it? How quickly does time pass? Indeed, the whole sports world was heartbroken when they received the news that the NBA legend lost his life in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. However, he wasn’t the only person affected by the accident, as he also lost his daughter Gianna, Orange Coast College’s baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri Altobelli, their daughter Alyssa Altobelli, assistant coach Christina Mauser, Gianna’s teammate’s parent Sarah Chester, her daughter Payton Chester, and the helicopter pilot Ara Zobaya.

It was tragic news back then, and many in the NBA world are still missing the legend on the court. However, on this day, Mike Repole, who also had his connections with Bryant, recalled him, especially their friendship, and penned down a long heartwarming message on his social media handle, showcasing how much he misses the NBA legend.

“I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since l lost an amazing friend, a great partner, and a loving brother,” Repole wrote on his X post and continued, stating, “Life is precious.” Even though he is a popular person in the horse racing world, he has his own connections throughout the sports world, and losing Kobe was hard on him, too. 

Furthermore, Repole talked about how the NBA legend was a crucial friend of his, stating, “Kobe’s intense drive, passion, and huge heart were unmatched, and the moments we shared will stay with me forever. Kobe challenged me and inspired me in ways words can’t describe. Thank you so much, Kobe. I think of you every day. Love you, Kobe.” Indeed, the 56-year-old was always fascinated by the abilities of the NBA legend. There were plenty of moments they enjoyed together, and he cherishes them all in the form of memories. 

Repole also sent Bryant a message of gratitude for his contribution to his learning in life and shared a few pictures to recall their friendship that was cut short due to the tragedy. Most of the pictures showcased how close both of them were, and rarely did many people know that the NBA legend was a huge fan of horse racing, even though he wasn’t much involved with it. Indeed, once Repole did compare one of his prolific horses to Kobe, showcasing an intriguing connection.

Back when Mike Repole compared his horse to Kobe Bryant

Do you remember Fierceness? Yes, I’m talking about the Todd Pletcher-trained equine that was among the favorites leading up to the 2024 Kentucky Derby. And who was his owner? Mike Repole. Indeed, a great deal of anticipation surrounded the colt, as he garnered significant attention, particularly for his impressive victory in the Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. Previously, in his career, Fierceness had won another Grade 1 race, which was the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which was one of the biggest races in the 2023 season.

Repole has always been a Kobe Bryant fan, and once he focused on the name of the equine, stating, “I’m a fierce competitor in business. I was partners with Kobe Bryant, you don’t get any more fierce than him. I’m partners with Tom Brady, you don’t get any more fierce than him on the football field. And I think it’s a quality that sometimes you could say, ‘Wow, fierceness is violent.'” Indeed, Mike appreciated the way people anticipated Fierceness on track due to its raw pace and aggressiveness. 

“But there’s a fierceness about the way you go after life. There’s a fierceness about the way you chase your dreams. That is okay. It actually should be encouraged, not discouraged. So, you know what? He’s a very chill horse. He sits in the barn very unassuming and then he goes on that track, he’s Kobe Bryant in Game 7 or it’s Tom Brady in the Super Bowl,” said Repole. Fierceness has always been a tough competitor on the track, but whenever the 56-year-old owner went to watch him, he always was relaxed in his barn. 

So how did Fierceness perform at the 2024 Kentucky Derby? While there was a lot of anticipation, the equine fell short and finished 15th. It was a disaster for Repole, who watched his horse underperform despite all the hype. However, Fierceness got back on form the moment he participated in the Jim Dandy S. Presented by Mohegan Sun, as he placed first, and in the next race, which was the DraftKings Travers Stakes, he also secured a victory. The equine’s 2024 season came to an end by placing second in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, and Repole couldn’t be more proud of his colt.