Why Do People Love Jonah Lomu?
Jonah Lomu was a rugby union player from New Zealand who revolutionized the sport with his incredible size, speed, and power. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time and left an indelible mark on rugby. But why exactly do people love Jonah Lomu so much? This article will explore the reasons behind his enduring popularity and legendary status.
Unmatched Physical Abilities
One of the primary reasons Jonah Lomu is so beloved is because of his freakish physical talents that made him nearly unstoppable on the rugby pitch.
Size and Power
At 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) and 119 kg (262 lb), Lomu was a monster among mere mortals. His combination of size, strength and devastating hand-off made him incredibly difficult to tackle or stop once he built up a head of steam.
“He was a phenomenon – the first true super-heavyweight in a contact sport. He didn’t just move over the advantage line, he used to actually part defences.” – John Hart, former coach
Blistering Speed
Despite his mammoth size, Lomu also possessed blistering speed that left defenders grasping at air. He could run 100 meters in under 11 seconds, faster than most professional sprinters. This made him a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field.
“He was bigger than any back I’ve seen but could move more quickly side-to-side too. It was intimidating.” – Matt Burke, former Wallaby
Flair and Crowd-Pleasing Exploits
In addition to his physical prowess, Lomu played the game with an infectious joy and flair that made him a fan favorite wherever he went.
Rugby’s First Global Superstar
Lomu’s electrifying performances and charismatic personality made him rugby’s first truly global superstar. He put the sport on the map, attracting countless new fans worldwide.
“After the 1995 World Cup, rugby union had its first megastar.” – Clive Woodward, former England coach
Unforgettable Big Match Moments
Some of Lomu’s most iconic moments came on the biggest stages, like his four tries against England in the 1995 World Cup semi-final or his miracle semi-final try against France in 1999.
“If you were a kid watching that game, you would want to play rugby after seeing that.” – Nick Mallett, former Springboks coach
Courage and Perseverance
Perhaps Lomu’s most admirable quality was the courage and perseverance he showed in overcoming immense health challenges late in his career due to nephrotic syndrome.
Comeback from Kidney Disease
After being diagnosed with the rare kidney disease in 1995, Lomu had to undergo dozens of operations including a transplant in 2004. Yet he battled back to play at an elite level again.
“What he overcame to not only survive but regain his Test place was extraordinary.” – John Hart
Inspiration to Millions
Lomu’s resilience in the face of adversity and his will to keep playing the game he loved made him an inspiration to millions around the world facing their own challenges.
“He never gave up on his dream of playing top-level rugby again.” – Jonah’s wife Nadene
The Impact He Left
Even after his tragic death in 2015 at just 40 years old, Lomu’s legacy and impact on both the sport of rugby and society at large lives on.
Rugby’s Growth into a Global Sport
Lomu was one of the key figures who helped transform rugby from a regional game into a professional global spectacle followed by millions.
“We can directly link the growth of rugby’s popularity worldwide to the impact Jonah had.” – Brett Gosper, World Rugby CEO
Transcending the Sport
Beyond just rugby, Lomu transcended the sport to become a beloved figure worldwide who symbolized perseverance, passion, humility, and living life to the fullest.
“He was a giant of a man, not just for what he did on the field but for the courage he showed over his life.” – Richie McCaw, former All Blacks captain
Stats at a Glance
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 63 |
| Tries | 37 |
| Points | 185 |
| World Cups | 1995, 1999, 2003 |
| Debut | 1994 vs France |
| Final Match | 2002 vs Wales |
Awards and Accolades
- Rugby Almanack Player of the Year: 1995
- New Zealand Player of the Year: 1995, 1997
- World Rugby Player of the Year Nominee: 1995, 1997
- World Rugby Hall of Fame Inductee: 2011
- BBC Overseas Sports Personality: 1995
Post-Playing Career
Even after his playing days ended, Lomu remained a prominent figure as an ambassador and philanthropist:
- UNICEF NZ Ambassador
- Helped raise millions for charities
- Involved in promoting healthy lifestyles and exercise
- Awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Centenary of New Zealand in 2008
Conclusion
In summary, there are countless reasons why people love the legendary Jonah Lomu so much. His once-in-a-lifetime physical talents combined with his crowd-pleasing flair and joy for the game made him a true rugby icon. But perhaps even more impressive was the resilience and perseverance he showed in battling back from a potentially fatal disease to keep playing at the highest level.
Lomu transformed rugby from a niche sport into a global entertainment phenomenon attracting millions of new fans. And his impact reached far beyond just the rugby pitch, as he used his celebrity platform to give back through charity work while inspiring people worldwide with his courage in the face of adversity.
In the words of his wife Nadene, “Jonah’s achievements go far beyond what he did on the rugby field. It was the way he overcame illness, transcended cultural boundaries and viewing boundaries. He was a big-hearted, kind man who drew people towards him.”
Few athletes have captured the public’s imagination quite like the larger-than-life Jonah Lomu. His legacy and the reasons people adore him so much ensure his spirit will live on for generations to come. He was simply a one-of-a-kind force of nature, and the world is lucky to have witnessed his talent, personality and perseverance grace a rugby pitch.
FAQs
What made Jonah Lomu so dominant?
Jonah Lomu was a rugby phenomenon due to his incredible combination of size, speed, power, and skill. At 1.96m and 119kg, he was bigger and faster than any player before him, able to literally run over defenders or just blaze past them untouched.
How many tries did Jonah Lomu score?
In his 63 test matches for the All Blacks from 1994-2002, Jonah Lomu scored 37 tries, which was a world record at the time. His most famous performances included 4 tries against England in the 1995 World Cup semi-final and a spectacular solo try against France in the 1999 World Cup semis.
What condition did Jonah Lomu have?
In 1995, at the peak of his career, Jonah Lomu was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a rare kidney disease. He had to undergo dozens of operations, including a kidney transplant in 2004, yet he battled back to keep playing at an elite level for several more years in an amazing display of perseverance.
How did Jonah Lomu impact rugby globally?
Jonah Lomu played a huge role in transforming rugby union from a relatively small regional sport into a professional global spectacle. His fame transcended rugby, turning him into an international superstar who brought countless new fans to the game from all around the world.
What awards did Jonah Lomu win?
Some of Jonah Lomu’s major awards and accolades included the Rugby Almanack Player of the Year (1995), New Zealand Player of the Year (1995, 1997), World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee (2011), and the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award (1995). He was also nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 1995 and 1997.
