I've never been a fan of the Winter Olympics. Not to knock the event..I'm just not a fan of the sports/events involved...bobsledding, hockey, luge, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating..you get the idea. However, I have tuned in to some of the events..if only because of channel surfing. Nonetheless..some events did keep me watching for a few minutes. Then it hit me what the Winter Olympics was primarily about. Its mostly a gathering of high-class caucasians..who are basically big fish swimming in a very small pond. Be cool..I'll elaborate. The Winter Olympics is not really about world talent..its about world wealth.
Lets take skiing. What they do..coordination, strength, speed, courage is absolutely insane. I mean that in a good way. It is a unique kind of competion/sport..whatever you want to call it. But it is truly flawed in its limitation of talent. My point..the olympic skier comes from a very small % of people who have access to this sport. Fault of theirs? No. Back in my school days..I remember a kid who bragged about his skiing talent. Claiming to be the best skier in school or the city. I remember thinking SO WHAT. Truth was..he was probably the ONLY skier in school. He was probably the only kid who had access to slopes or training or the travels that would allow him to succeed at skiing. Without a doubt..skiing requires intense training..and money. Its a rich man's sport. Period. Think about it..how many "poor countries/continents" do you see competing for a skiing medal..ZERO. The people and countries with the money..competes in a sport like skiing. You can apply this principle to most of the Winter Olympic sports. It applies to a small group of people. Unlike the Summer Olympics..where most sports are available to individuals with little to no cost (i.e., basketball, soccer, baseball, etc).
If you look at the highest level of skiing talent in the world...for every one high profile skiier..you probably have the equivalent of 100 NBA players..maybe 1000. I'm not knocking skiing. I'm saying that its simply the product of the finest country clubs around the world.
I'd like your feedback. Peace out my HALEYUNNS!
I don't know about that Kevin. I do agree about these sports being expensive, but look at something simple like cheerleading. I have seen you comment about your daughter cheering. Even something as simple as this is not cheap. In order to be competitive, look for example at the cost of tumbling classes, and cheer shoes. If a kid has a dream of say, cheering for a favorite college (I know,this is not at the level of the olympics, but I'm being realistic)... they have to be at the top of their game. Competitive gyms are not cheap, as a matter of fact, they and the extra lessons are down right expensive. While growing up my parents could not have afforded that luxury for me. My point is a kid can play a sport, and do just that..., play. Sounds inexpensive, or even free as you eluded..., right??? But to climb to the level of stiff competition, and especially olympic level, is no where near cheap, regardless of the sport. I believe a persons sport choice, is more likely due to proximity to the activity and availability of equipment. Look at Paoli, I know a lot of teenagers that go snow boarding on a regular basis. These kids might be caucasion, but are no where near wealthy. :) I say regardless of wealth, or lack thereof..., the athletes that reach the olympic level are fun to watch, even if I don't like the sport. Their dedication is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think we're talking apples and oranges here. I'm sure that there are 1000s of cheerleaders at an elite level. Those numbers don't exist with skiing. Also, in no way am I discounting the dedication or effort. I'm just saying that the participants in the Winter Olympics come from a small pool of people to choose from. Regardless, I do like your post. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeletei have to agree with you somewhat on this. while it is not necessary for one to be wealthy to ski, skate, snowboard or whatever, it is necessary in order to do so at the olympics level. case in point, i saw a short on the blades used for the luge (or it might have been the bobsled) and these blades were something like $20,000! and don't forget the committment required. not many have even the time let alone the financial resources. but, i still enjoy the olympics. i always enjoy seeing people performing at the top levels in these sports. some of the things they do are truly amazing.
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