Sonny Bill Williams issues candid warning to budding athletes from hospital ahead of neck surgery
Former All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams.
Legendary All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams has issued a candid warning to young athletes and their parents while in hospital ahead of surgery.
While preparing for his fourth major neck operation, he posted a video on his Instagram account where he spoke about the physical effects which comes with the territory of being a professional sportsperson and how crucial it is to make plans for a life after retirement.
“This is a reminder for young athletes and parents pushing them to pursue a career as a professional athlete,” said the 40-year-old. “I’m about to go in for I think it’s my fourth operation on my neck.
‘This is the reality sometimes of this sport’
“Understand this is the reality sometimes of this sport that we love and that we play.”
Williams made 58 Test appearances for the All Blacks between 2010 and 2019 and also had successful stints as a rugby league player and in professional boxing.
He said it’s important that athletes understand the realities which comes with the territory when embarking on a career in professional sport.
“Please remember this, I ain’t got no one here paying my bills from back in the days, no organisations, no CEOs ringing me making sure I’m okay,” he revealed.
“In high-performance space, if you’re not performing, what will happen? See you later with a handshake.”
Despite sustaining numerous injuries during his career Williams said he did not have any regrets from his time as a professional athlete.
“I would never change my path as a sportsman because it brought me so much joy,” he said.
However, he urged youngsters not to focus solely on their sporting ambitions.
“The reality of things is that it is a business, so make sure you look after yourself, look after your family, make choices that will support yourself and your family for the long haul, but also have a back-up plan,” he explained.
Dropped out of school to pursue his professional career
Williams revealed that initially he did not have a formal education as he dropped out of high school at the age of 15 to pursue his professional career.
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He did, however, return to further his studies and eventually completed a university degree.
“I didn’t have a formal education, I dropped out of school at 15 but later on in my career, towards the end of it, I went back to university and got a degree,” added Williams.
He also described himself as an exception rather than an example for youngsters to follow.
“I’m an anomaly, dropping out of school, putting all my eggs in one basket, I am an anomaly,” said the two-time Rugby World Cup winner.
“So have a back-up plan. Study, trade, whatever it may be, whatever it may look like, because majority of people now, like I’ve said in many other videos, that career, that lifespan is very, very short.”
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