#sparkchamber 061421 — Naomi Osaka
Today, #sparkchamber takes inspiration from an idol, athlete and activist Naomi Osaka. The now-23-year-old took the tennis world by storm at the 2018 U.S. Open, beating Serena Williams in straight sets to win her first major title.
Naomi made news recently for announcing on social media that she would “take some time away from the court” one day after she was fined and threatened with harsher sanctions for bowing out of a mandatory post-match presser at the French Open. She also revealed that she has experienced depression and anxiety since winning that singles title in 2018, adding that speaking to the media often makes her nervous. “I am not a natural public speaker and get huge waves of anxiety before I speak to the world’s media.” She apologized to any media members she had impacted with her decision.
Tennis players, athletes from other sports, and non-athletes alike have weighed in on her actions, on press obligations, on the rights and responsibilities of public figures in general, and on a whole mess of other topics. It’s mostly positive, mostly supportive. But here’s the thing: it one-hundred-percent does not matter what anyone thinks about any of it. Take care of yourself first. You know, secure your own oxygen mask before helping others with theirs. Life presents challenges and we are not always up to taking them on. That is for real and it must be honored.
All respect and admiration from us to her. Such grace, and such a role model for everyone in everything they do. Be who you are, how you are. Trust yourself, believe in yourself, and take care of yourself. You first, you whole. That’s how the world gets to experience the best of everyone. Thank you Naomi Osaka.
1.] Where do ideas come from?
Every time I have a dream, somehow I accomplish it.
2.] What is the itch you are scratching?
I think, for me, I just really want to have fun with every match that I play because tennis is a game.
3.] Early bird or night owl? Tortoise or hare?
I feel like I play better when I’m calm. There is an inner peace I can tap into sometimes during my matches.
4.] How do you know when you are done?
You just gotta keep going and fighting for everything, and one day you’ll get to where you want.