Final Goodbye: Nelson Mandela with 10 sporting legends

2) Brian Lara

Nelson Mandela shows his amazement at the presentation of an inscribed cricket bat by West Indian cricket legend Brian Lara.

The former West Indian cricketer met Mandela in Johannesburg in 2005 when Mandela accepted a bat signed by the legendary cricketer. Lara noted that the bat (above) was ‘unfortunately used against South Africa and scored a couple of hundreds.’ Mandela then examined the bat and jokingly replied, “I think I should start playing cricket.” On the bat Lara wrote, “To a man that has inspired the world. I love you, president Mandela. My best wishes to a personal hero.” Lara even stated that it was ‘one of the greatest days of my life’. “We spoke about his love for cricket and what cricket does to influence the world.” said Lara. Mandela even told him that he is ‘a young handsome chap’.