Pat Rafter’s sweating was a big Australian Open story during his “meltdown” at Melbourne Park against Andre Agassi. “Our Pat” would collapse in his chair, leaking from all pores (as the girls gaped for a shirt change) whilst the pundits pondered what could be done. The resultant severe cramps undoubtedly led to Rafter’s early retirement from competitive tennis.
His dilemma is extreme, but not unique. Andy Roddick’s caps were a soggy sight during epic battles of the same era.
These are super-fit athletes whose bodies are reacting to extraordinary exertion and conditions.
In marked contrast, I once noted a spec of moisture on the back of Retief Goosen – presumably he’d wandered past a sprinkler near the fairway. That man never dropped a bead!
And recently I saw Alastair Cook undertake the physical and mental battle of captaining England in India – he removed his helmet upon reaching a ton to reveal a mane that may as well have been blowdried….. he simply does not perspire.
Lucky him.
It is an awful blight. We’ve seen squash courts and boxing rings soaked from the bodies of combatants. The loss of salt can lead to headaches and physical shutdowns.
Who are some memorable “sweaters” and “cleanskins”?
And what remedies are recommended?
Rafa Nadal sweats like a Rafter.
There’s an indelible image of D.K.Lillee’s distinctive single fingered swipe to flick off the sweat (pre headband)
I’ll give you Arguna Ranatunga 2 weeks in a row.
A sweater and a sook.
I think Dean Jones may have been a bit sweaty after that double ton in India before they took him to hospital to re-hydrate.
Serena-sweater
Mats Wilander-cleanskin (in fact most Swedish sportsmen appear to be).
David Gower- cleanskin at least never looked like was was raising a sweat.
Usman Khawaja- cleanskin-doesn’t run fast enough between wickets to raise a sweat and he may have a few mates.