The magnificent obsession

What is common about Serena and Venus Williams, Bobby Fischer and Mary Lou Retton? If you are an ardent tennis fan, you are probably familiar with the Williams name because the Williams sisters have become legends of the game. Bobby Fischer is a name that should ring a bell to the chess fanatics, while Mary Lou Retton is best known for her exploits in the 1984 Los Engels Olympics where she won four medals in gymnastics.

There are a few correct answers to the question with posed above. First, they were all champions who were very good at what they did or what they still do in the case of the Williams sisters. Secondly, they all excelled in sports. Third, and most importantly they were all child prodigies. By definition, a child prodigy or Wunderkid is a person who, at an early age, develops one or more skills at a level far beyond the norm for their age.

A prodigy has to be a child, or at least younger than 18 years, who is performing at the level of a highly trained adult in a very demanding field of endeavor. Although they achieved fame in different fields of endeavor none can contest that these young people were exceptional performers. How did they achieve it? Were they freaks of nature or did they stumble upon some magic wand? Let us consult their life stories for answers.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

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