A Life Too Short: The Tragedy Of Robert Enke

[phoenix]

Reviewed by Chris Maume

Friday, 21 October 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Robert Enke killed himself in 2009, Germany was wracked with uncomprehending grief. A goalkeeper for the national football team, he appeared to have played his way through mid-career doldrums to become one of the most able players in his position, in line to represent his country at the 2010 World Cup. He had matured, too, into a fine young man.

 

 

 

In common with more professional athletes than we like to think, however, Enke had spent long periods skilfully hiding the depression that ultimately made him take his own life. Not long ago the idea of a leading sportsperson admitting to psychological or emotional difficulties was unthinkable, but in the last few years sportsmen such as the England cricketers Marcus Trescothick and Michael Yardy have admitted to finding the pressures too great.

 

Enke's story is told by his close friend Ronald Reng, a journalist with whom he had been working on a book. They had met during Enke's stint at Barcelona, where the stress of trying to become No 1 at one of the biggest clubs in world football provoked his first serious depression.

 

The goalie's status as the exposed last line of defence introduces a particular burden. Victor Valdes, Enke's Barcelona team-mate

[OddJob]

Horrific way to end your life. Incredible what depression can do to somebody like.

[zerodon47]

Reviewed by Chris Maume

Friday, 21 October 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Robert Enke killed himself in 2009, Germany was wracked with uncomprehending grief. A goalkeeper for the national football team, he appeared to have played his way through mid-career doldrums to become one of the most able players in his position, in line to represent his country at the 2010 World Cup. He had matured, too, into a fine young man.

 

 

 

In common with more professional athletes than we like to think, however, Enke had spent long periods skilfully hiding the depression that ultimately made him take his own life. Not long ago the idea of a leading sportsperson admitting to psychological or emotional difficulties was unthinkable, but in the last few years sportsmen such as the England cricketers Marcus Trescothick and Michael Yardy have admitted to finding the pressures too great.

 

Enke's story is told by his close friend Ronald Reng, a journalist with whom he had been working on a book. They had met during Enke's stint at Barcelona, where the stress of trying to become No 1 at one of the biggest clubs in world football provoked his first serious depression.

 

The goalie's status as the exposed last line of defence introduces a particular burden. Victor Valdes, Enke's Barcelona team-mate

[Dynamo]

Check amazon. TheCan get a used copy for dirt cheap usually.

 

have heard this book is really good.

[zerodon47]

just finished this book last night. hard goin like, really sad story but also the best sports book iv ever read. totally recommend it to anyone.

[Bluto10]

read a few extracts from this in the papers.

usually when having a few beers and it brought a lump to my throat.

very sad.

 

also out this xmas is a book about some england rugger player who was paralysed in training.

 

not much xmas cheer about on the sports book market