Wayne Gretzky is one of the finest ice hockey athletes in the world of sports. The GOAT retired in 1999, after 20 years of a successful career. He has been the most sought-after player, holding many records for most goals and assists. Gretzky has since been a coach and an analyst for the sport.
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While Gretzky has been an inspiration for many upcoming hockey players, it would be interesting to find out who inspired The Great One. In 2016, the star sat down for an interview and talked about some of the greatest athletes across different sports. He also mentioned a special star sportsperson whom he looked up to.
John McEnroe inspired Wayne Gretzky
The former hockey champion would often judge the best players on the basis of who was ‘good’ and who was ‘great’. In fact. there was a fine line of difference between the two. He talked about this aspect of sportspersons while revealing some of his favorite athletes. Every sport always had star players that they couldn’t do without.
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ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – JANUARY 24: Wayne Gretzky addresses fans prior to the 2020 NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Enterprise Center on January 24, 2020 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
For example, in baseball, Gretzky mentioned how teams would struggle to out George Brett. Similarly, in a good NBA finals game, fans would always expect the presence of players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. However, the GOAT was in awe of tennis Superbrat John McEnroe. So much so that the former tennis champion inspired him.
Gretzky exclaimed, “the bigger the tennis match, the different level that he would go to!” He claimed that players like McEnroe loved a good challenge in their game. This is what made them an inspiration for Gretzky, who went on to succeed in life.
Good v/s Greatest
During the interview, Gretzky explained the difference between good and great players. He believed that great players enjoyed more as the levels of the game got big. Consequently, great players always saved their best for the most crucial times when pressures were high.
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 11: Wayne Gretzky #99 of the Edmonton Oilers skates on the ice during an NHL game against the New Jersey Devils on November 11, 1982 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by B Bennett/Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images)
Gretzky stressed how great players would never consider a sport ‘work’. They would rather enjoy even the most challenging aspects. He expressed, “you could see by the look in their eyes and in their faces. It wasn’t ‘work’ to them”.
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