In tragedy, stars show human side

When they are performing their special brands of artistry on the playing courts and fields of the world it seems like our elite athletes are, well, not of this world.

Roger Federer gliding over the grass at Wimbledon, Tiger Woods snaking in a monster putt at Augusta, Kobe Bryant nailing a game-winning three-pointer at the Staples Center, Usain Bolt scorching tracks all over the world and Michael Phelps sizzling pools; they, and their kindred spirits, mesmerize us with their freakish talent and we put them on ridiculously large pedestals.

However, as has been writ before, they are just like us and that is borne out when their foibles are exposed or tragedy strikes.