Post by hifigator on Dec 16, 2009 17:54:07 GMT -5
I just wanted to hear what everyone thinks about this. Obviously, Tiger's recent off the course woes have tarnished his image, and I have no idea when the voting was done, but if recently, then I would have to think that the gap narrowed a bit.
In any case, there are two questions. The first is whether golf is a sport. Similar arguments are made against racing and wrestling among others. From my standpoint, I have no problem including such activities. For those who don't follow Nascar, they probably don't understand the strains -- both physically and mentally on the drivers. The fire-resistant suits they wear don't breathe well at all. Additionally, the internal temperature in the cars are that of a very hot sauna. Sure, they get some breeze as they whip around the track, but still, the point is that it is very, very uncomfortable and downright hot in those cars, and often for 4 hours or more. As for wrestling, the fact that most outcomes are predetermined, really doesn't matter in my view as to the athleticism of the sports-entertainers. Now I don't consider pro wrestling a sport, but in my opinion, they are definitely athletes. As for golf ... it's a little more difficult. I am inclined to think of it more as a game than a sport. That being said, the participants are often athletes. But oftentimes, they really aren't. John Daly, among others, certainly wasn't very athletic, even when he was winning. However, Tiger has always taken good care of his body. He works out with weights as well as taking both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Aside from his mental toughness and dedicated practice work on his game, he simply "outathletes" most of his foes as well. The bottom line in this regard, is that I have no problem considering him a top notch athlete.
But as for athlete of the decade, I'm not so sure. Honestly, the first name that came to mind to me was Roger Federor. I'm pretty sure that all of his majors came this decade. Tiger won at least a couple in the 90s. Giving it more thought however, two names really jumped out to me. Lance Armstrong is certainly one. He won ... what? 6 in a row, shattering the previous record. Yeah, it's a pretty boring sport, but it's as physically demanding as almost any other.
My other nominee will likely garner me some sneers, but I think Michael Phelps deserves strong consideration. Yes, I have a different opinion than most on his use of a water pipe. Still, the point is that even though the olympics only come every 4 years, the relentless dedication necessary to stay at competitive levels never ends. Additionally, the 2000 decade did feature 3 Olympic games, all of which he participated in. And after falling a bit short of unrealistic goals in 2004 -- even though he did very well -- he totally kicked a$$ in 2008. I honestly think that he deserves strong consideration for the award. Thoughts?
In any case, there are two questions. The first is whether golf is a sport. Similar arguments are made against racing and wrestling among others. From my standpoint, I have no problem including such activities. For those who don't follow Nascar, they probably don't understand the strains -- both physically and mentally on the drivers. The fire-resistant suits they wear don't breathe well at all. Additionally, the internal temperature in the cars are that of a very hot sauna. Sure, they get some breeze as they whip around the track, but still, the point is that it is very, very uncomfortable and downright hot in those cars, and often for 4 hours or more. As for wrestling, the fact that most outcomes are predetermined, really doesn't matter in my view as to the athleticism of the sports-entertainers. Now I don't consider pro wrestling a sport, but in my opinion, they are definitely athletes. As for golf ... it's a little more difficult. I am inclined to think of it more as a game than a sport. That being said, the participants are often athletes. But oftentimes, they really aren't. John Daly, among others, certainly wasn't very athletic, even when he was winning. However, Tiger has always taken good care of his body. He works out with weights as well as taking both aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Aside from his mental toughness and dedicated practice work on his game, he simply "outathletes" most of his foes as well. The bottom line in this regard, is that I have no problem considering him a top notch athlete.
But as for athlete of the decade, I'm not so sure. Honestly, the first name that came to mind to me was Roger Federor. I'm pretty sure that all of his majors came this decade. Tiger won at least a couple in the 90s. Giving it more thought however, two names really jumped out to me. Lance Armstrong is certainly one. He won ... what? 6 in a row, shattering the previous record. Yeah, it's a pretty boring sport, but it's as physically demanding as almost any other.
My other nominee will likely garner me some sneers, but I think Michael Phelps deserves strong consideration. Yes, I have a different opinion than most on his use of a water pipe. Still, the point is that even though the olympics only come every 4 years, the relentless dedication necessary to stay at competitive levels never ends. Additionally, the 2000 decade did feature 3 Olympic games, all of which he participated in. And after falling a bit short of unrealistic goals in 2004 -- even though he did very well -- he totally kicked a$$ in 2008. I honestly think that he deserves strong consideration for the award. Thoughts?
