Editorial | Chinese also revered basketball great Kobe Bryant
- Former Los Angeles Lakers star, who was killed in a helicopter crash, had as strong a following in China as he had in the United States
The global outpouring of grief for Kobe Bryant from the sports, entertainment and political worlds proved the impact the basketball player had beyond the game in which he was considered a legend. His appeal was as strong in China as his homeland, the United States.
His passing in a helicopter crash in California in which his 13-year-old daughter and seven others also died was received with shock and a sense of loss. The reason was simple: his passion, drive and determination made him an inspiration to many people. The tributes of admiration, love and friendship were effusive with praise and heavy with sorrow.
Bryant, 41, was among the most recognisable sports stars in China. He had a legion of fans enthralled by his two-decade career with the Los Angeles Lakers, who in turn have a strong following.
Former Chinese teammates led the tributes on Weibo, among them Sun Yue, Yi Jianlian and Jeremy Lin, while celebrities including actress Kelly Lin Shi-lei joined tens of thousands of others in posting messages of sadness.
Such an outpouring is understandable; from his gold-medal winning performance at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 through advertising and television appearances, including his own TV reality show, strong online presence and a charity in China focused on sports and education for youngsters, he was admired and lauded.