It was a remarkable display - 15 saves in a single World Cup match. Although it wasn't enough to prevent his team losing to Belgium, USA keeper Tim Howard's fine performance has been one of the highlights of the tournament.
Previously, the Everton player has suggested that the fact he lives with Tourette's syndrome - a condition characterised by multiple motor tics, and at least one vocal tic - has made him a better athlete. At the age of 18 or 19 "I realised I was faster than others when it came to certain movements, and that these reflexes were linked to my disorder", he told the German newspaper Spiegel in 2013. Is he correct?
He might be. Studies have shown that individuals with Tourette's are "super-good at controlling their voluntary movements", says Georgina Jackson, professor of cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Nottingham. A hypothesis is that people with the condition become highly conscious of their physical actions as they learn to control their tics.
People with Tourette's commonly say that activities requiring concentration - such as playing sport or a musical instrument - can help to alleviate their symptoms. A recent study in which Jackson participated suggested that physical exercise significantly reduced tic rates among people with Tourette's. "This control mechanism kicks in that allows them to perform," she says. "That has benefits for your voluntary movements, whether it's goalkeeping or at laboratory level." As Howard himself told Der Speigel: "As soon as things get serious in front of the goal, I don't have any twitches; my muscles obey me then."
Taken from HERE.
From Wiki...
Tourette syndrome (also called Tourette's syndrome, Tourette's disorder, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, GTS or, more commonly, simply Tourette's or TS) is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by multiple physical (motor) tics and at least one vocal (phonic) tic. These tics characteristically wax and wane, can be suppressed temporarily, and are preceded by a premonitory urge. Tourette's is defined as part of a spectrum of tic disorders, which includes provisional, transient and persistent (chronic) tics.
Tourette's was once considered a rare and bizarre syndrome, most often associated with the exclamation of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks (coprolalia), but this symptom is present in only a small minority of people with Tourette's. Tourette's is no longer considered a rare condition, but it is not always correctly identified because most cases are mild and the severity of tics decreases for most children as they pass through adolescence. Between 0.4% and 3.8% of children ages 5 to 18 may have Tourette's; the prevalence of other tic disorders in school-age children is higher, with the more common tics of eye blinking, coughing, throat clearing, sniffing, and facial movements. Extreme Tourette's in adulthood is a rarity, and Tourette's does not adversely affect intelligence or life expectancy.
Reducing tics at certain points in time should not be confused with a cure, says Jess Thom, co-founder of the website Touretteshero. Nonetheless, she hopes Howard's extraordinary performance in Brazil will have a positive impact beyond football. "Having role models is very important - especially with a condition like Tourette's that is subject to so much myth." HERE.
I'd never expect to having tourette syndrome can be surprisingly amazing, especially when it helps people in such a big sport like tim Howard did all the time. Maybe in Indonesia we seems to underrated people with this disorders and play around or make a joke with them. So, in the future I really hope the scientists could exolore deeper about this syndrome and find out how to develop certain ability when we're diagnosed with this disorder just like what tim Howard did. Moreover I'm also hoping for those who already can handle their tic symptoms could speak up and share to other people who might needed their thoughts and solutions, so the people who diagnosed with this symptoms can live a normal life and not being played around anymore also they really need support from friends and family.
ReplyDeleteTim Howard’s struggle in the world cup match really gives me inspiration that one should never give up even if he/she lacks in something. Tim Howard lives with Tourette’s syndrome, yet he still plays soccer. He didn’t feel lacking like most people did if they have disadvantages, whereas he uses his syndrome as his trump card in playing soccer. He’s faster in certain movements compared to the others because of his Tourette’s syndrome. This opens my mind that we shouldn’t ignore people that have syndrome like Tim Howard and to not even see syndromes as a disadvantage as it could lead to a misunderstanding towards the syndrome itself. We should support people that have symptoms similar to what Tim has or even people with other syndromes because by understanding the effects of the syndrome we could possibly discover other benefits and also help those people to live the life that they deserve. Tim proved that he can make his disadvantage into his advantage in playing soccer and I think that is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteThe case of Tim Howard who showed high reflex to stimulus as a benefit to his Tourette syndrome is a great example of how something that is commonly associated as limitations can also have its benefits or capabilities in other sectors. This statement will greatly help not only other peoples who suffered from the same condition but also those who suffered uncommon condition in general. He proves that someone is able to turn their weakness to one of their strength. We are created differently to other people around us, even people who are considered as perfectly “normal” might have their own unique traits which differentiate them from other people, so as the case of people who suffers disorder. Yes, for some’s point of view they are considered as different, yet within their “abnormalities” they are also presented by special opportunities which might not be viable for the average person. Thus, we shouldn’t judge them as being an “incapable” individual, but we should consider them as special, the same as how every person had their own specialties.
ReplyDeleteReading the article, the word syndrome is emphasized in my thoughts. In this society, syndrome is always related to bad diseases. People with syndrome always got ignored, discriminated, or even exiled. By reading this article, people could think it over and consider syndrome and try to understand people who have syndrome. Some syndrome like Tourette could be some advantage in sport. I personally think that syndrome could be taken its advantage if it is handled properly rather than just being ignored. For example Tim Howard’s Tourette syndrome. He uses his flaw to be able to react more efficiently to be a goalkeeper for his team. He uses his ability to maximize his control mechanism and allow it to perform better than others. In conclusion, we shouldn’t easily judge people based on what flaws they have. People who have syndrome could do some job better that normal people and we shouldn’t ignore that fact.
ReplyDeleteTim Howard was a part of most, if not all, 2014 World Cup conversations and headlines. His saves were sensational, the courage he shows was admirable, doing actions that I would argue rivals other world class goalkeepers. Every movement he made just screamed top of the line goalkeeping and he had a respectable record to go along with it too. I would say that he is the back bone of the United States soccer team and a crucial pillar to the team as well. Learning that he has Tourette's syndrome really amazes me. Turning what most would say is negative into a positive and constructive force is an inspiring tale, most especially those who suffer from the disease. He didn't give in to his weaknesses and flaws but rather embraced them and made it into his source of strength. And because of this he rose above and showed an extraordinary ability as a goal keeper.
ReplyDeleteTim Howard is arguably the best US goalkeeper of all-time and it is really amazing whilst considering that he actually has Tourette syndrome. Tim’s big personality both on and off the pitch has been proven to be decisive for his team and it is understandable that he had been chosen as captain for both club and country. His career highlight has to be from the world cup 2014 when he made a record 16 saves against Germany which is amazing for a goalkeeper to made that many saves. I once watched a video of Tim talking about his Tourette Syndrome and he said that at first he struggled with it because the ticks sometimes occur when he is playing but over time he has been able to overcome that issue and stated that the ticks is no longer occur when he played because his focus on the game overcome the ticks itself.
ReplyDeletePeople who have some kind of disability usually always work harder to achieve what normal people can do. In this article Tom Howard’s syndrome was utilize as an advantage to become better and do more. Tom Howard has a Tourette’s syndrome that may help him to have a better reflex at catching ball that triumph many world class goalkeeper in the world. In the world cup 2014, his performance was universally praised after deflecting 15 ball. Even though his syndrome has an effect to his life in a bad way, he still capable to see and utilize the potential of his weakness. After reading this article I realize there are a lot of ways to utilize our weaknesses to become our advantages. As person to be better at what we do, we need to see any potential we have and utilize it correctly even it’s our weaknesses that we always overlook.
ReplyDeleteI’ve known about Tim Howard since he was still playing at Everton a few years ago; right now, he’s playing at Major League Soccer, football league at United States, for Colorado Rapids. Although he’s not the most “decorated” goalkeeper in football history, I can’t deny that he is one of the best goal keepers in the history of U.S. Football, especially after his contribution during the 2014 World Cup with all the saves he made. Despite being a big fan of him, I’ve never known that he has Tourette syndrome; and I’m actually quite surprised being told this fact about him. After reading the article though, I observed that Tim became so good at the game because of the focus that he put on the game. What people should learn from the story of Tim Howard is that syndrome is not always a negative thing. Many would see a syndrome as a disadvantage; but after all, it is how we see problems, in this case syndrome, and face them that will determine how successful we are, not the disadvantages that we have. If Tim could do it, why can’t others do as well?
ReplyDeleteIn Tourette's syndrome, damage occurs in several areas of the brain such as the basal ganglia, frontal lobe, and cortex, damage to the connective tissue in the brain, or imbalance of brain compounds (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine). The cause to date is unknown. There is evidence in one family in America that this syndrome is inherited. But the process is very complex and there may be environmental participation as a trigger. Genetic research also links that certain types of hyperactive disorders in children have something to do with Tourette syndrome.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the movements or sounds (tics) produced by this syndrome come on their own, but some sufferers can suppress, disguise, even control the tick to reduce its impact on limb function. However, sufferers of Tourette syndrome sometimes report experiencing severe tension when trying to press their ticks to one point they have to express it and fight their will.
Continuing from the previous comment, because Tourette's does not cause damage to bodily functions, the treatment for sufferers is only a medicine to press tick But there is no cure for it. In order to live a normal life and be accepted by their environment, sufferers of Tourette syndrome should undergo education in schools with children with special needs, along with children with ADHD, learning difficulties, or children with impaired social interaction. The cause of Tourette's syndrome is unknown. But research so far has shown abnormalities in certain brain regions (including the basal ganglia, frontal lobe, and cortex), the circuit that connects this region, and neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine) that are responsible for communication between nerve cells in the brain. Tourette's syndrome is a chronic condition that until now has not found treatment to be able to heal completely. However, doctors will usually prescribe to reduce symptoms so that it is easier for patients to move more freely, such as benzodiazepine drugs. In addition to drugs, the symptoms of tourette can also be reduced by doing CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), which is a habit-changing exercise, and other therapies for the management of the reduction of symptoms of tourette syndrome.
DeleteNow commenting on the subject in context, which is Tim Howard, specifically his performance on the 2014 FIFA World Cup, I believe that the final outcome of his performance is not all due owed to the factor that he was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome. I've observed and analyzed the Barclays Premier League for years, and I've always known and concluded that Tim Howard was one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Perhaps his diagnosis of Tourette's could be one of the factors maybe, but he is also known to be a hard-working, determined, and progressive as well, those factors could add to people's testimony that regards him as one of the best players in the business. The United States' performance in the tournament is tremendous not only because of him though, but the effort of the whole team (notable defensively were Cameron Carter-Vickers and DeAndre Yedlin). All I'm saying is a star player may shine in certain stages of the competition, but football is a team sports, not an individual one.
DeleteAlthough I’ve never been a fan of football, let alone knowing a football player who suffers from a nervous system disorder, yet still manages to contribute to the team which he has sworn allegiance to. After reading the article, it became certain to me that no matter the syndrome or disorder that a person may have, such illness will always come with a message encouraging its bearer it can be turned into something better. Tim Howard is one of those people who has unlocked the gate separating him from his true potential as he realised that his weakness could actually be turned into his greatest strength other people could do nothing but envy. Perhaps, with the proper encouragement, people with Tourette syndrome might just be able to find their place in a society that has been waiting for them to finally spread their wings and soar higher than the rest to eventually lead the people who once disrespected them. Moreover, this can also apply to other syndromes such as OCD, and many other non-harmful syndromes one might first struggle in life before realising that the burden which he/she has been carrying throughout his/her life is actually a gift from God as sign of His love.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Tim Howard’s performance at the 2014 World Cup, I believe that his excessive and unending training may have become a factor also in his glorious performance at the competition, to be honest im surprised to know that Tim Howard has this Tourette’s Syndrome. I believed that the Tourette’s Syndrome does have a factor yes, but it still all comes back to his hard work, dedication, spirit, and determination that builds the foundation of his superb and spectacular performance in the tournament. In Indonesia, not much is known to ordinary people about Tourette's syndrome, until some time ago the news was shocked that the famous celebrity of the country, Tora Sudiro, was found consuming dumolid drugs to overcome the symptoms of tourette he faced. Tourette's syndrome is a rare neurological disorder that makes a person unable to control the movements of the body and what comes out of his mouth.
ReplyDeleteIn some people, their symptoms of Tourette's syndrome can include vocal tics, namely the inability to control what they say. People with Tourette syndrome who experience vocal tics usually swear obscene words spontaneously and repetitively, even though they are not intentional. The pattern of spontaneous and repetitive movements or sayings experienced by people with Tourette is generally very difficult to avoid. They are also difficult to control or prevent. People with Tourette syndrome often report that attempts to reduce, control, or prevent tics can trigger severe stress to the point where they feel that tics must be released (even if they are against their will). However, after symptoms occur (whether they are movements or words) they can usually be controlled by the owner of the body in various ways.
DeleteAs a person who really enjoyed watching football, I found this article very interesting. During the world cup in Brazil in 2014, one of the most highlighted moments were the saves done by Tim Howard for USA. He was said to be the back-bone of the team by doing 15 saves in one match. Knowing that he has a syndrome surprises me. I realized that not all syndrome brings you disadvantages. Syndromes like Tourette’s syndrome can bring you advantages. He succeed to turn this weakness of his to be an advantage and be able to pass the ability of other athletes. With Tim Howard being able to turn around the weakness of his, he could be made a role model to motivate other people with syndrome or other sickness so that, they won’t give up with the situation that they are having right now. I believe that this might be a way to help speed up their recovery.
ReplyDeleteTourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric disorder clinically characterized by simple and/or complex involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. Movement-based or motor tics are repetitive, irregular movements, while phonic tics are uttered sounds or vocal outbursts. It cant be cured and has no medication so far. I consider myself as a fan of Tim Howard. I am a fan of Manchester United and he was a player once. I just knew he has Tourette Syndrome and of course I am amazed. With his Tourette Syndrome, he could show unbelievable saves in the 2014 World Cup. Easily the best U.S goalkeeper so far. About the Tourette Syndrome, I think that the reason why his performance wasn’t affected by the syndrome is because psychologically it could be even an advantage if you mix the syndrome to something you favor the most. Other than to do the job you favor the most, but also importantly do the job that doesn’t stress you out and not considered as a burden. To conclude, even though Tourette Syndrome is not curable or maybe giving disadvantages, but there are still ways to at least maintain it.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of football, and I watch a lot of football matches. My favorite position in football is the goalkeeper. I love to watch goalkeepers make awesome saves the same way that forwards make awesome goals. While I watch a lot of football matches, I never watch Tim Howard played, because I usually watch the german Bundesliga and the Champions League, while in the past Tim Howard is playing for Premier League club Everton and currently he is playing for Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids. I knew that Tim Howard is a good goalkeeper, and I knew that Tim Howard suffers from this unique Tourette syndrome. I once watch a youtube video telling the story of Tim Howard’s footballing life that is effected by Tourette syndrome. The fact that he has this unique syndrome, his goalkeeping performances are not effected by the syndrome, and you can see this from his performances.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article, I became really interested in Tourette syndrome and started to look it up on the internet. I realize that after actually understanding what Tourette syndrome actually I started to analyze myself and actually I might actually have a Tourette syndrome too although it’s not very noticeable. Another thing that makes me interested is actually by the time I was reading this article I started to search about Tim Howard to see how great are his savings, and it turns out that he actually did some great saves. But despite what he has done for his team and now that we know his syndrome, there are still some thought that syndrome is related to disease which we know, isn’t related to disease or whatsoever. Now what I think we need to do is to remove the thoughts from our heads that syndrome isn’t a disease and it is not always a bad thing to have.
ReplyDeleteTim Howard's performance in 2014 world cup was one of the spotlight in that world cup. Because he did 14 saves in one game agains Belgium. Even though his team lose, people's attention was not at the team who win that game, which is Belgium. But instead people focus on Tim Howard's brilliant performance. Before, Tim Howard was only a player of small teams & no one said that he is a great goal keeper. Because of his performance at 2014 world cup, he got so many praises from people around the world. I think he deserve the praise that he got, because he worked so hard to be a good goal keeper. He did not let his syndrome make him down, but instead he use it to make him successful. Moral of the story is do not let the obstacles that we have discouraged us from reaching our goals and objectives.
ReplyDeleteI had a friend in China with tourettes. I found it hilarious that he would cuss in the middle of class without any reason to. He found it funny too, he was really happy despute having tics like those. He was more intense in the vocal tics rather than the motor tics. He sometimes has it really bad where he couldn't speak other than cusses and sometimes it was just a 1 time thing. Nonetheless it wss fun for the whole class and I know that is a terrible thing to say, but we really all enjoyed it. So when I read the title of this article, I assumed it was going to be about a goalkeeper cussing non stop and that was hillarious in my mind. I guess Tim Howard got really lucky and it may not have anything to do with his tourettes. It's really a great coincidence since I am an Everton fan myself.
ReplyDeleteTourette’s syndrome is pretty interesting since the sudden tics made most people look at the sufferer weirdly. At first, I think not so many people would employ someone with Tourette’s syndrome since they thought that it could disturb the work they’re doing. But I just found out that apparently physical exercises could help the sufferer control the sudden tics. USA World Cup team’s goalkeeper, Tim Howard, as a Tourette’s syndrome sufferer who got many advantages because of his condition actually made me realize that many people’s deficiencies could also have numerous advantages in it. We usually only look at the bad side and not at the little advantages the syndrome brings. The fact that Tim Howard could make 15 saves in one game in the World Cup with Tourette’s syndrome is really amazing and we shouldn’t look down to people with this kind of conditions. They also have a normal life like us as a regular person.
ReplyDeleteAthletes who have disabilities are now taken care better and they have more attention for their passion in sports. In this case tourette's syndrome are one of the disabilities that can be considered as one of the case. In this present time there is an event that are specialize for disabilities who have the ability of a certain sport where they can compete their main sport. This event is called the Paralympic when it is in the region of the Olympic games where the participants are all of the countries in the world and it is Para Games when the region is Asia. In every big sports exhibition it always comes with Para exhibition. It usually comes after a month of the non-Para event happen. This is nice to know that now disabilities are not forgotten and having the same attention like the non-disabilities. This is also a good program to countries who doesn't give any Para participants in the event.
ReplyDelete