Thinking back to the video tribute the first time Johnny Gaudreau returned to Calgary after signing with Columbus. He couldn't look up at the jumbotron. The booing soon turned to cheers. This is so heartbreaking and heartwarming to look back on now.
He was using drugs between holes at Augusta National. Contemplating suicide for two decades. Couldn't walk into rehab without help. Today he just beat two of the best golfers alive. One of, if not the greatest sports comeback stories of all time:
Anthony Kim. Father. Husband. Three-time PGA Tour winner before age 25 - alongside only Tiger, Phil, Sergio, and Adam Scott.
Then his Achilles ruptured in 2012. He vanished, for twelve years.
He was battling drug and alcohol addiction daily. Using during majors. Making bathroom stops between holes just to get through the round. Contemplating ending his life for almost two decades while the world thought he was living the dream.
His body eventually shut down. He could barely walk into rehab. His wife Emily and daughter Bella pulled him back.
He got a second chance with LIV Golf in 2024. Finished dead last. Didn't earn a single point in two full seasons. Got relegated from the league in August.
Most people would've quit. He showed up every single day and worked to get 1% better after being cut from the league.
He earned his spot back through a qualifying tournament on pure merit.
Today, in the final round at LIV Adelaide, playing alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm - two of the biggest names in golf - he came back from a 5-shot starting deficit and has just shot nine under to win the golf tournamnet.
This man was ready to leave this earth. Now he just did the unthinkable. If that doesn't prove you can come back from anything, nothing will.
It's never too late.
@livgolf_league@AnthonyKim_Golf
#LIVGolfAdelaide
Four years ago I wanted to give up the game forever. I have the strongest team around me that brought me back, and now I’m going to give it all to help this team win at Bethpage. LFG 🇺🇸😎
One year ago, the world lost an incredible man who inspired so many with his courage, bravery, and dedication to making the most out of life. Chris was a beacon of positivity, uplifting those around him and bringing out the best in everyone.
We miss you every day Snowy ❤️
↔️ TRADE ALERT ↔️ The Kimberley Dynamyters would like to announce the trade of 2005 Goalie Ryder Ponto to Revelstoke Grizzlies for 2005 Forward Bennett Kuhnlein. Welcome Bennett, and thank you to Ryder for your time with the team. #dynamiters. #kijhl#bchockey
During tonight’s game a player from the Miramichi Timberwolves was injured on the ice. Our thoughts are with the player, his family, and the entire @MTimberWolves organization. We wish the player a full recovery.
Today we hugged Chris for the last time and said goodbye as he went to give four people the gift of life by donating his kidneys, liver and lungs. We are deeply broken and deeply proud. In life and in death, Chris never stopped giving. We walk forward with his light guiding us.
4 years and 51 spinal injections later my experimental drug is no longer experimental. So grateful, proud & relieved to be a part of bringing the first-ever genetically targeted ALS drug to market. Thank you @US_FDA for giving hope to the hopeless. https://t.co/Bqn4n4jdvp