Sportspersons and their weird hobbies

All athletes, no matter what sport they play, have that ‘x-factor’ that took them to the highest levels of their sport. But it is that same factor that sometimes make them seem unusual. Although, most athletes enjoy several things others enjoy as well, there are certain weird hobbies, which these athletes have that makes them stand out from the rest.Here are the top eight sportspersons with weird hobbies:

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo - Bingo

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored in every minute, from the first to the 90th minute in a football game. There is even a ‘Cristiano Ronaldo Bingo’ on his goals. But the Portuguese star enjoys playing a regular version of bingo and said it greatly helped him learn English during his days at Manchester United.

“It can be very exciting because you can be there waiting for a long time for just the one number to make the game complete,” he told a Portuguese paper. 'Then you see one of your friends you are playing against get his lucky number before you,” he added.

#2 Mike Tyson: Raising pigeons

Mike Tyson shows the world that even the biggest and strongest of men have a soft side to their nature. The American retired boxer loves to raise and nurture pigeons. He even likes to fly them and take part in pigeon flying races.

"The first thing I ever loved in my life – the pigeon," Tyson said in an interview in 2011. "They're so much like people," he added.

#3 Tiger Woods - Spearfishing

Tiger Woods is a very competitive athlete. When he is not hitting the golf ball, Woods is busy perfecting his hobby: spearfishing. He often takes a dive in the ocean to go fishing.

Previously Woods required the use of an air-tank to be able to breethe for longer duration. Feeling guilty to use one, Woods took a diving class to increase the duration of his static breath. “My whole deal is to go deeper and longer so I can shoot bigger fish,” he said.

#4 Fernando Alonso - Magic tricks

Fernando Alonso is a real magician. Besides producing some of the most extraordinary stunts on the track, Alonso has proved that he has quite a few tricks up his sleeve.

Every time he learns a new trick, Alonso shows it off to his fellow racers. This is one such trick which David Blaine would be proud of.

#5 Ronaldinho - Karaoke

Ronaldinho is a master of all arts. Whether on or off the football field, the Brazillian legend simply does not cease to surprise. Ronaldinho transformed his hobby into a serious passion.

He already has the hairstyle for a musician. He is also used to talking on the mic. Nothing can stop the former Barcelona star from doing what he wants.

#6 Tim Duncan - Dungeons and Dragons

NBA superstar Tim Duncan is a huge Dungeons and Demons fans. Besides the fantasy role-playing game, Duncan has a tattoo of Merlin from Arthurian folk-lore (a wizard) and another one of Skeleton Jester.

#7 Roger Federer - Watching cricket

Roger Federer is a massive cricket fan. When the 17-time Grand Slam champion is not on the courts or in training, he is relaxing by watching some cricket on the television.

The Swiss Maestro admitted that it is quite a rare thing for a European to be so engrossed in cricket.

“I just really watch it just because it's relaxing, you know. I understand the rules. That's already something for a European,” Federer said.

He has even had a couple of stints at playing cricket while visiting India for a charity cause.

#8 David Beckham - Fencing

Following retirement, David Beckham took up another sport to spend his time. At the encouragement of actors Tom Cruise and Will Smith, Beckham made the switch from football boots to fencing swords.

Will Smith even admitted the trio’s fencing sessions to be a lot of fun.

"We don't get enough time to hang out, just us three guys, so this is his way of getting together and bonding. David and I go to his home and just do fencing. It's a lot of fun,” Smith said.