Willy Thorn is a journalist and author. He has worked for both Catholic News Service (Washington, D.C.) and the Union of Catholic Asian News (Bangkok) and won awards as a sports writer at the daily Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He most recently published This is America—a collection of Americana poetry, humor and shorts.
The greatest athletes transcend mere games. They soar above competition, tower over leagues, fuel economies and even change societies. They always represent more; on the field, in the ring and off the court. The truly great ones even continue to touch lives when they’re not competing. Burning with passion, a love of the game so fierce and severe they are forced to do it their way, they march through thorns, briars and fire, if need be.
And so it was with Arthur Ashe Jr.