Statues and or Sculptures are visual representation of people who have influenced their time in a long lasting way thus going beyond a mere monument. Whether history textbooks, reminders of past glory or relics of a faded era, statues are objects worthy of contemplation. In turn, the rise in sport memorials including statues has led to an obsession with idolising sportsmen and women as gods. We need to hold these frozen forms to account. They have to illustrate and make immortal, not only the body of a player but also the heart, soul and legacy that accompanied their career. In taking a look at statues of sports figures from all over the globe, we will gather the names the immortalized individuals in question, take a dive into what they did for their sport and gauge whether or not their statues properly portray them today as both athletes and people. We want to honor the dedication that these athletes had through having statues made for them.
Pat Tillman: More Than a Gridiron Hero
Near the campus of Arizona State University, there is a statue of Pat Tillman — a young man who sacrificed his dreams and his future out of duty. USHypocrisy: Tillman enlisted in the Army Rangers after 9/11, less of a football hero, and more an American BadAss Killed in Afghanistan, Purple Heart, Silver Star He holds a helmet in the stoic statue, as a stark reminder of his undying loyalty to his country.
Magic Johnson: A Bronzed Legend
Earvin Magic Johnson, right, talks with members of the media at his statue unveiling ceremony outside Staples Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Feb. This 17-foot statue outside the Staples Center captures the essence of the Showtime era he once led. His five championships and nine trips to the NBA Finals only further fortify Johnson’s claim as one of the games all-time greats. As seen in another iconic statute at Michigan State University, where he played, the effect is not just felt in LA. Both statues depict Johnson doing his patented no-look pass in full stride.
Photograph of the statue of Magic Johnson by Omri Amrany and Gary Tillery in Los Angeles, CA. Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Messi’s Fallen Idol
A statue in Buenos Aires pays tribute to Lionel Messi, the homegrown football superstar who has always loved his soccer. In the centre of the village, a bronze sculpture cast in Basque reputed by its locals to show the tiny maestro knee-deep in dribble. The Messi bubble, however brutifully inflated, burst as the figure in question faltered once more. During the beginning of 2017, an awful act of vandalism occurred in Rio when the statue was savagely cut at its ankles. Image copyright PA Image caption The lower half of the statue was destroyed when thieves stole the top part The unfortunate incident came as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those trying to honor such public figures with art.
Michael Jordan’s “The Spirit”
We all know the giant bronze statue of Michael Jordan that stands outside of the United Center. The statue is named “The Spirit,” which depicts a life-size version of the man who revolutionized basketball. That one was unveiled in 94 after he had first retired from the game, a reminder of his reign during that inaugural Bulls three-peat. Designed by Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, the statue shows a soaring Jordan in his famous pose. The artists did a great job of portraying the athlete, his muscular body and steely resolve showing through on portrait. Standing as a lone figure in the Chicago skyline, cast in bronze, “The Spirit” has since become the mecca for fans from all walks of life to meet this icon and pay homage to his permanent impact on sports.
Roger Federer, A Terracotta Tennis Titan
A completely new incarnation was that of the legendary tennis player Roger Federer [32] (Fig. 9), who appeared as a so-called Terracotta Warrior. A record-breaking project to commemorate the 2007 Masters Cup that concluded it’s season, while creating 8 life-size sculptures of top tennis players is underway in Shanghai. Modeled on the famous Terracotta Army, these figures will be made by French Sculptor Laury Dizengremel. The collectible series breathes new life into time-honoured tennis icons while combining classic artistic expression with modern sportation. The ATP have commissioned a series of life-size clay sculptures. French sculptor, Laury Dizengremel has been immortalizing tennis greats in clay with the help of the legendary Terracotta Army. World champion Roger Federer is one of the eight athletes who were immortalized in this epic endeavor. Must include statues of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Wimbledon’s Statuesque Tribute
A lot of the sculpting at Wimbledon is custom, with every piece being a unique artwork. A good example is the David Wynne statue of Fred Perry at the north-eastern end of Centre Court. Also located in Clubhouse`s south concourse is a pair of head and shoulder busts from ian Rank-Broadley. The amazing pieces immortalized five British Ladies’ Singles winners: Virginia Wade, Ann Jones, Kitty Godfree, Dorothy Round and Angela Mortimer.
Vivianne Miedema, A Temporary Tribute
In 2022, history was made when a temporary statue of Arsenal Women’s record-breaking striker Vivianne Miedema was put up outside the Emirates Stadium. The decision that was made by her sponsor, Adidas, created a historic moment for women’s football. Historically, even the 60,260-seat stadium that features statues of legends such Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Tony Adams has celebrated what men have done. Miedema’s statue stands as a stark reminder to how few women are depicted in public art. Art UK reveals that only 4% of London statues are women, compared to 21% for men. The dominance of male figures in public art has been a historical issue that needs to be rectified. Miedema having a temporary statue is moving in the right direction but giving greater recognition to women in sport–as well as many other sectors–needs to be long term. This is a HUGE omission as there are very few Women Athlete’s Statues in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo, A mixed legacy
Cristiano Ronaldo has been the subject of much bronze action throughout the years However, in early 2014 an enormous 3.4-meter monument of the Portuguese hero was unveiled in Funchal, his home city provide tourists with a new attraction. In 2017, another statue dedicated to the footballer was actually put up nearby Madeira Airport. The latter sculpture was the only one that raised discussion, largely because of its uncanny resemblance to the player. And social media was awash with memes — and jokes at the expense of how little it actually looked like Ronaldo. In response, updates were made to the statue in 2018 after it was met with public backlash that better represented Ronaldo’s most recognizable features.
Beckham Honoured and Debates Ensued thereafter
David Beckham was honored in 2019 with a statue outside LA Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park for the mark on MLS he had left behind. A bronze sculpture of the ex-England captain in action has since been put up at the scene, which attracted scores of admirers on Wednesday morning. Although the league did not confirm it, Beckham’s arrival in 2007 is given credit for driving the league to new levels of popularity. But the commissioning of a statue in his honor before many other club legends has divided fans, who feel that others are more deserving of a tribute first.
Beckham Statue-ed Again in 2012
Some time ago, the most bizarre of things ever came to New York, LA and SF, we all remember how those cities got hit with some priceless statues: David Beckam statues — only not any but the type wearing just his undies! Despite the appearance, this was not an ode to his physical skills but a nakedly shameless attempt by H&M to promote its new underwear range. While some may have called it “Silver Surfer” because of the shiny silver finish, Beckham’s body — no supernova-like powers to be found here. Which, tough from it, way to go!
A Flawed Tribute to Diego Maradona
The football-loving city of Kolkata installed a 12-foot statue of Diego Maradona in 2017. The artwork showed the Argentine icon hoisting the 1986 World Cup trophy in the air. Regrettably, the statue’s erroneous depiction of the football legend led to a great deal of criticism. Like the problems with Ronaldo’s monument, Maradona’s likeness was far from flawless, disappointing supporters who had been waiting impatiently for the reveal. An Imperfect Homage to Diego Maradona
Arsenal’s Iconic Statues
Another three sculptures have been put on show at the Emirates Stadium to celebrate legendary players of the club. Thierry Henry, the club’s record goalscorer with 228 goals, was honoured in bronze alongside stalwart defender Tony Adams and mastermind manager Herbert Chapman in 2011. This exclusive group was joined in 2014 by a Dutchman: Dennis Bergkamp. During his time with the Gunners, Bergkamp, who is widely regarded as one of the most collected and inventive forwards in history netted 120 goals. Bergkamp and Henry were key players in the legendary Invincible side which went unbeaten throughout the 2003–04 season.
Dhyan Chand’s Legacy and Statues
It is through Statues and other forms that the skill of hockey by Dhyan Chand has been kept alive. One of the more famous memorials is a nine-foot-tall statue installed at Delhi’s National Stadium in 1995. This mighty structure is an epitome of the cricket legend that shines on it as a reverend testimonial bearing witness to his unmatched contribution in Indian sports. So while there many memorials of the hockey wizard across India, the one at National Stadium remains one of the most beautiful stand alone memorial dedicated to the “Wizard of Hockey”. Apart from the statue at Delhi’s National Stadium, Dhyan Chand has been either immortalised or honoured with a life-sized statue in various parts of India. A statue-person of this famous character is erected in the city of Jhansi, located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh which has a massive historical background. These statues are a small contribution to remind others of the ever living entity of Hockey wizard and his legacy which will stay with Indian Sports forever.
Milkha Singh Immortalized
The statue of the famous sprinter Milkha Singh, which was a huge 28 feet in Ludhiana in 2013. The legacy of Milkha Singh — who was also called the ‘Flying Sikh’ — will continue to inspire our upcoming generations for many years to come. The statue, which has been dedicated to his memory, serves as a constant reminder that young athletes can aspire to be anything they want in sport.
References
- https://www.insidetennis.com/2020/06/the-rise-and-fall-of-statues/
- https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/federer-immortalized-as-terracotta-warrior-idUSL18821169/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/asifburhan/2022/05/05/vivianne-miedema-hopes-her-statue-will-lead-to-more-recognition-for-female-athletes/
- https://www.republicworld.com/sports/football/messi-ronaldo-beckham-and-legends-who-have-their-own-statue#google_vignette
- https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-lists/8-worst-statues-of-sports-legends-118218/stan-musial-118328/.
- https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/other-sports/list/best-statues-in-sports-michael-jordan-pat-tillman-jackie-robinson-willie-mays/1gcwfwtohaf5y1aux3o1mxhft9.
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/milkha-singhs-statue-to-motivate-youngsters/articleshow/26047238.cms.
