Inside the reinvention of a sporting icon: Tiger Woods’ meteoric rise collapsed in a humiliating downfall with a sex scandal that cost him his marriage. As the former couple make rare public appearance, how golfing superstar staged greatest comeback

The former couple made a rare public appearance together to celebrate their son Charlie’s victory in a high school state golf championship in Florida. Woods, 48, showed visible pride but maintained some distance as Charlie proudly displayed his medal alongside Elin, 44, and her 15-month-old son, whose father is a former American footballer.

This event marked the first public sighting of the pair in a decade, occurring as Woods gears up to make a comeback at the US Masters in two weeks. Despite their highly publicized split 15 years ago, they’ve maintained a close relationship behind the scenes for the sake of their children, who seem to provide stability in Woods’ tumultuous life.

Woods, known for his meteoric rise and subsequent fall from grace, expressed optimism about the future just weeks ago, hinting at another chapter in his life story. Despite his remarkable comeback with his 15th major title win in 2019, his journey has been marred by personal and professional challenges.

The collapse of his marriage in 2009, following revelations of infidelity, marked a turning point in Woods’ life. Once hailed as golf’s greatest player with numerous major championship wins and staggering earnings, his image took a severe hit.

Married to Elin, a Swedish former model and nanny, since 2004, Woods seemed to have it all. Their union, facilitated by golfer Jesper Parnevik, flourished with the arrival of their children. However, revelations of Woods’ extramarital affairs tarnished his image irreparably.

Following a tumultuous confrontation with Elin, Woods endured a public scandal involving multiple women coming forward with allegations of affairs. He took a break from golf, seeking treatment for what was reported as sex addiction. The couple eventually divorced in 2010.

Further revelations about Woods’ personal life surfaced over the years, including allegations of wild parties and excessive spending on escorts. Despite these challenges, Woods attempted to revive his career, but setbacks, including injuries and legal issues, persisted.

His relationship with Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn provided a brief respite, but Woods continued to face personal and professional obstacles. A spinal fusion surgery in 2017 marked a turning point, followed by a DUI arrest that highlighted his struggles with medication.

Through it all, Woods has shown resilience, aiming for redemption both on and off the golf course. As he prepares for his latest comeback, supported by his family, he remains a compelling figure in the world of sports, his journey a testament to the complexities of fame, success, and personal struggles.