Venus Williams is the only other athlete that has dealt with the same level of pressure as LeBron James, says sports journalist
Former National Football League (NFL) player-turned-commentator Anthony Herron drew parallels with basketball icon LeBron James and tennis ace Venus Williams. He said only the two players have successfully dealt with childhood pressure without faltering publicly.
LeBron James became the NBA's all-time leading scorer, eclipsing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 39-year-old record of 38,387 points earlier on Wednesday.
James, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, scored 38 points in a 133-130 defeat by the Oklahoma City Thunder to surpass Abdul-Jabbar's score.
Abdul-Jabbar, who also played for the Lakers, set the record in April 1984, eight months before James was born. James raised both arms in celebration while Abdul-Jabbar, who was sitting courtside, applauded the feat.
Anthony Herron took to social media to congratulate James on his achievements and said Venus Williams was on the same level as James when dealing with public pressure.
Venus Williams, the elder sister of tennis legend Serena Williams, was always compared to her sister and she made sure to answer her critics with fine performances.
"Genuinely happy for Lebron James. Venus Williams is the only other athlete I can think of that entered the pro ranks dealing with anywhere near this degree of childhood pressure who never faultered publicly during their playing career. #BHM," he tweeted.
Genuinely happy for Lebron James. Venus Williams is the only other athlete I can think of that entered the pro ranks dealing with anywhere near this degree of childhood pressure who never faultered publicly during their playing career. #BHM https://t.co/mefwqrCk7Z
Williams' glittering career is laden with seven singles Grand Slam titles, 14 doubles Grand Slams, two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles, and four Olympic gold medals.
"Pressure, first of all, is a privilege" - Venus Williams opens up on dealing with expectations as a youngster
Venus Williams is well known for having a strong mentality. The American tennis player, in an interaction with fans on social media, was asked how she dealt with mental pressure as a youngster.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner responded by saying that having pressure is a privilege as it puts her on track to achieving her dreams and goals.
She added that she did not have a good understanding of what pressure was in her younger days.
"Pressure, first of all, is a privilege. If you're under pressure, then you have this privilege to do something and hopefully achieve something in getting close to your dreams. So, first you got to see it the right way. Second is preparation. If you prepare yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, whatever it is, then you're gonna feel more confident when it is time to deal with that pressure," Williams said.
The former World No. 1 started her 2023 season at the WTA 250 event in New Zealand. She booked her place in the second round by beating Katie Volynets 7-6(4), 6-2. Next, she lost 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to Zhu Lin in a match that was often halted due to rain.
The 42-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during the contest, which eventually forced her to withdraw from the Australian Open.