This editorial in The Daily Telegraph (August 2, 2024) has applicability to each and every one of us, regardless of age, occupational status, background and everything else.

MATILDAS’ FAILURE A LESSON IN HUMILITY

When a great Roman general or Emperor was granted a triumphal march through the city, it was a tradition that one of his aides would stand behind him whispering in his ear: “Remember you are mortal, remember you are mortal…”

The idea was that despite the thousands of adoring citizens screaming plaudits at the great man he would remain grounded and not mistake himself for a god.

Sadly it rarely worked in Ancient Rome and it doesn’t seem to be working too well 2000 years later in Australia if the Matildas’ Olympics campaign is anything to go by.

Australians will well remember the Matildas’ awe-inspiring performance at the World Cup last year. It electrified a generation and they were indeed feted as gods — all the more so because it was the first time many had turned their attention to the women’s team.

Now they are accused of such hubris that their special treatment at Paris, combined with clashing egos in the locker room, was responsible for what has been dubbed “an unmitigated disaster”.

Perhaps they too need reminding that the path to true greatness isn’t hubris but humility.