The world was rocked by the news of basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s death on January 26th. Fans were devastated to hear that Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna, 13, had died in a helicopter crash, along with 7 other passengers as they flew to Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy for a basketball game in a neighbouring city. To pay a tribute to Bryant and his legacy, here are some quotes from fans who were left heartbroken by the news:
“He was the reason why we all started playing basketball. Kobe made it fun and we wanted to play basketball like Kobe.”
“He was one of the best basketball players of all time but he remained humble. He was an extraordinary man that achieved greatness and impacted countless lives within his 41 years.” – Heather Chislett
“As a kid, I always loved playing basketball, and for me and many others, he was the face of basketball. He was a reminder of what hard work and determination can do for someone. Everyone wanted to be like him. He inspired a countless amount of people throughout his life, and his legacy will continue to inspire many more in the future.” – Mekaela Butler
“I’ve been playing basketball for about 12 years now and to say that Kobe hasn’t impacted my growth as a basketball player, would be a complete and utter lie. Since as far back as I can remember, I’ve religiously said Kobe when shooting any kind of item into a hoop. Whether it be a basketball, a ball of paper, or literally anything into the trash can. When I first found out that it was true and the legend was gone, I cried my heart out. And it wasn’t even like I knew him closely. He just meant so much to me through his knowledge and wisdom of the game, I just respected him and his opinions on the game so much. I am also a firm believer that he would have changed the WNBA completely, and what brakes my heart the most is that we will never get to see him fulfill this journey. I do hope someone picks up where he left off in regards to empowering and furthering the amount of support shown for non- professional and even professional women in sport. Black Mamba you were the next kinda level of inspiration and you’ll be forever missed.” – Katie Cousens
“Kobe’s morality and self discipline was not only an inspiration to athletes, but to all people. Everyone can learn from his relentless “no excuses” work ethic.” – Sarah Hiscock
Kobe Bryant and the legacy he leaves behind will never be forgotten. The world mourns this monumental loss, and we at the Muse are hoping that the families affected by this tragedy know that they are not forgotten, but included in the grief of the world right now. Always in our thoughts, and praying that they will be okay.