As anyone who knows me knows, sports and athletics have always been a big part of my life. Whether participating or watching they have always brought me enjoyment and satisfaction on many levels. It's not that I can't or don't appreciate other endeavors; literature in it's various forms, music, and films often bring me enjoyment as well. And I can appreciate that there those are who find enjoyment in other realms: art, sculpture, theatre, dance, and more. But to me there has always seemed something pure (for lack of a better word) about sports. Sports and athletics are probably the closest we come to a meritocracy; background, pedigree, connections really don't count as much- think Division II Chadron State Danny Woodhead vs. Big Ten Minnesota Laurence Maroney. Demonstrated excellence is what is valued and what matters most. Opportunity and success don't depend upon an editor, a critic, judge, or committee making a subjective judgement; if you perform better than the other guy or gal, you'll be on the team, you'll win, or at least out-perform others in, the race, match, or game. With few exceptions, success is easily quantifiable- you ran, swam, or cycled faster than the others, you lifted more weight, you scaled that peak; you, or your team, scored more points than your opponent. While innate talent and genetics are helpful, consistent hard-work and training, consistently trying to improve in ways small or large, are as important and, if not always easy to accomplish, they are easy to identify (add some speedwork, tweak your lift, shoot more free throws, etc...) And to me the most enjoyable are team sports; seeing five, six, nine, eleven individuals working as a unit, each fulfilling their role as part of the overall group, to me it's one of the most enjoyable things to watch or to participate in.
Alright, so it's not that profound- whaddya want for nothing?!
