Solidifying Sportsmanship

Life Beyond the Game: Solidifying Sportsmanship

As the humid air blankets the atmosphere, and the tension and anticipation rise, there’s nothing left but the game and the player. Suddenly, the cheers are a muted whisper and the lights enclose what is left. They all say the opponent is your enemy, but what if this whole time people have been stereotyping what constitutes sportsmanship?

Why look at the ball when the move you make is the most important thought? It is this man-versus-self conflict that determines a true athlete.

Sportsmanship is often stereotyped to heroic players and MVPs. However, sportsmanship applies to different aspects of each person’s life. From putting on the jersey to hitting the books, it is how we carry ourselves that describe us as a human.

Sportsmanship goes beyond the game. Obviously, the humble player is cherished for their ethics, but who’s to say it’s different in the real world? A true athlete expresses calm in the midst of chaos and hope in the face of darkness.

When I was younger, I used to play soccer. My team and I would always lose; we were the team others took a breather on, but we were always left breathless. Although it was discouraging, perseverance and hope would always somehow persist. We tried to remain optimistic about a goal and be hopeful for a positive outcome.

As opposing players lined up to exchange a “sportsman-like” handshake at the end of a game, you could always tell the type of player they were:

The limp limb – This player is often the discouraged type who either doesn’t care or is disappointed with their teams’ outcome.

The firm fist – Usually the most humble way to confidently, yet kindly, exchange a high-five to the opposing team.

The sassy slap – Expressing your utmost disrespect through arrogance—a smirk and typically a stinging palm.

While there are all different types of people, you can choose the traits you possess. Not only do they define the player within, but solidify the person you are.

As celebrated tennis player Jim Courier once said, “Sportsmanship for me is when a guy walks off the court and you really can’t tell whether he won or lost, when he carries himself with pride either way.”

Throughout life, there are ups and downs. Sportsmanship is not defined by the player you are, but the person you choose to be. And no matter the choice, there is an athlete in all of us.

By // Sydney Wolfe

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