When athletes become heroes
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Indy race car drivers are often painted as aloof or privileged. They’re in a wealthy man’s sport, driving expensive cars.
I’ve learned, though, that they can be extremely generous and accessible.
Take Charlie Kimball.
An Indy driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, Kimball is a Type 1-diabetic who loves to meet fans–especially young ones who share his disease.
My 10-year-old daughter, Sydney, is also a juvenile diabetic. Kimball met with her before the Honda Indy Grand Prix on Sunday, even as he waited anxiously to see if his backup car was going to be ready to drive after he’d spun out in an early race.
He gave her a hat, and signed items for her.
But, more importantly, he let her know how alike they were. He talked about insulin, and eating well, and how to keep your head up when things get rough.
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