I had an interesting conversation today about whether elite athletes should be expected to be role models, even if they’ve made it clear they want to keep their personal lives private. Does fame automatically make someone accountable to the public? Do we have a right to scrutinize their choices just because they’re successful?

Then there’s the bigger question: If someone never claimed to be a role model, should they still be held to that standard? Is it fair to blame them when parents point their kids to celebrities instead of setting the example themselves? Public figures, whether athletes, actors, or politicians, are still just people. They have flaws, struggles, and personal issues like anyone else. And again and again, we see what happens when they’re placed on a pedestal. No one has met that impossible standard except Jesus Christ.

At some point, we have to accept that people will act according to who they are, not who we want them to be. Holding them to unrealistic ideals leads to disappointment. Instead of demanding perfection, we should focus on recognizing each other’s humanity, flaws included.

We also need to separate achievement from character. You can respect an athlete’s performance or an artist’s talent without treating their personal life as a model to follow. No one gets it all right. Instead of looking up to people because they’re famous, perhaps we could learn from those who live with consistency, honesty, and purpose. Celebrate the ones who lead by example, even without a spotlight.