None of us really know what goes on with all these high profile situations, be it sporting competition, the political world, or whatever else you can add to this category of activity and events that fall into this realm of competition or high profile events. All of it is fed to us, just like the sustenance provided by herdsman to the flock.
I thought that Olympic events represented the hard work by those who are gifted with the ability to achieve goals that many others cannot. Those that dedicate themselves to achieve the objective of meeting the criteria to attain the highest level of competition there is, amongst athletes from around the world, and only arriving at this threshold by the extreme hard work, discipline, leadership, fortitude, and a mentality based on the above with genuine sportsmanship, not money fame or anything similar. If you succeed and you are fortunate to win, you will be exceedingly thankful, gracious and exhibit the utmost respect of your accomplishments, the accomplishments of your competitors, knowing what contributed to the success, as well as realizing the rare but fortunate ability to have won in your event. Injuries, and so many other factors can and do prevent this from happening, you over come all of that, you worked hard for years, you had excellent mentoring and training, you made use of the abilities you were born with, and somehow win, which in these events will open doors in life. All of it stems from hard work, no different than any other hard work that a person may do to become a success in life. If you lose or do not reach the ultimate goals, you still have not lost, you competed at the highest level, you know what hard work is, you know what leadership is, you appreciate the comradery and a fair competition amongst all. You know that even in defeat there is no shame, and that you must always move forward. You know you must help others not only in sporting competition, but across the board in your life, being unselfish, humble, and know that we are all the same, regardless of athletic ability.
If the olympics represented that, then this would be of interest, but like with all the high salary and high dollar sporting events of modern times, have we lost this. Maybe not all but it certainly looks so. Many here have shown a dissent and dislike of any sports. I grew up with it, mother was a physical education teacher, so was a good friends dad and others I knew were coaches, none of those people taught anything but the above, providing character building methodology to the adolescent people who participated in it.
I'll cite a personal favorite, Ice Hockey. I have no use for the NHL and or any of the minor league organizations because of one reason, the propensity to promote violence during the game. Its like the gol darned WWF!!!! These idiots through wild punches at each other or they make checks to seriously hurt or injure the opponent. Thats not competition or even the remotest form of sportsmanship. Its a laughing matter to me, not a one of them even know how to actually fight, they are just a bunch of arm flailers, that would be easily taken down by anyone with a remote ability to practice self defense. It has to be the most ridiculous display of stupidity shown while attempting to compete in what is otherwise one of the most enjoyable and physically demanding games a person can play. I still do with as many friends or local college students (when available) because of 2 reasons, the fair competition and exhibition of skills, and the simple exercise it provides. We have not in years, but did play in in-line skating leagues, (similar to roller skates, but in-line) as ice was not available. Its one of the best ways to get exercise while having a blast, as a matter of a fact, that is really secondary because you are having fun, the health benefits you entirely forget, sure in heck beats a treadmill or stair climber!!! Checking leagues, is ok to a point, keep it fair and competitive, not ruthless, non check leagues are safer, lack of skill is irrelevant, because anyone can do it. You think about mastering your different types of shots, passing accurately, game strategy, goal tending, helping your team mates develop these skills, all the while overcoming each ones unique skating ability. Its low impact aerobic exercise and its more fun than anything I can think of. To me thats competition. Charles M Shulz was a big hockey fan in a similar light, I enjoyed his creation, "Peanuts" immensely as a kid, the world was a better place because of him and he was a sporting fan, his game was Ice Hockey, he built a rink in Petaluma California just for the purpose and he played until the end of his life or good health, he was in his 70's while still playing if I recall correctly.
I will admit I did watch the winter classic the outdoor NHL games recently at Yankee stadium and the other place, it was clean from what I saw, but to be honest, I have no use for the rest, I can go and watch collegiate hockey locally and not have to observe WWF mentality. This game requires a lot of a player, skating is low impact, yes you had best wear a helmet and the proper gear, if you fall, you won't get hurt, its just a lot of fun, and to me thats what sporting is all about, not what we see on television today.
