The truly great ones know how to be self-effacing at times in order to remain endearing to the general public. Tiger just may be the most dominant athlete ever, but he’s also a smart guy. As a very balanced person in terms of his brain type (he’s about as balanced as a human can be thanks in large part to Nurture, but he’s an INFP by Nature), he’s able to be a fierce competitor, a great interview, a loving husband and father, etc.
This clip is a great example of how everyone – including Tiger – is aware that Tiger Woods embodies athletic greatness, and yet he is well-received because he comes across as very low key about it. He makes a joke for a purpose, and yet you know that it actually means something to him.
What’s more, watch Tiger’s eyes very closely when he tells how old he was during his perfect season, and the laughter from the crowd. Watch it closely. It stings, he takes it in, then covers and moves on using humor.
But it’s still a good thing those guys are reporters and not his competition…