Sport, Society & Me

My overall connection to sport comes from within. I truly enjoy being in the swimming pool with my teammates playing water polo, and I could do this for hours on end. I originally picked up water polo because I was on the swim team all through out my early years, and then my brother started playing. He has always been an inspiration to me and I really enjoyed watching his games while I was in the 7th grade. This is when I decided I wanted to play for the High School team during my 8th grade year. I had to petition to be the youngest non-high school student on the team, and it took quite some time but in the end I made it. I was so happy and ever since that first day of practice I knew I was completely committed to playing.

The role of sport in US society is definitely a positive role. I think it brings all different types of people from all different backgrounds together and collectively brings along support for one another. Of course there are some negative aspects such as the pressure to take enhancement supplements or trash talking, but it's all part of the game and whether or not the player wants to take that risk. The values that US sport teach us is to come together and help one another. Whether it be by practicing with teammates or having one on one time with the coach, it's all about growing and becoming the best athlete you can be.

I think sport in American society is very important. It brings people together, and not just the players but the viewers as well. It's entertaining, exciting, healthy and overall a true test of endurance. It's not for everyone, and therefore the players who are truly committed will succeed and weed out the one's who aren't putting their soul into the game. Athletes are extremely valued and are sometimes considered celebrities in the US. Like I said previously, it's not an easy thing to become an extreme athlete or professional player. It takes a lot of effort, time, focus, dedication and endurance which are all valued qualities in a player. Of course there is a level of respect that is earned, however not everyone is able to see this in the same way. For example, Richard Sherman who plays for the Seattle Seahawks was extremely ridiculed for his interview during the playoffs this past weekend. Little do some people know that this man is very well educated (graduated from Stanford) and dedicates all of his time to the sport of football. He watches recorded plays and study's players from different teams to grasp an understanding of their plays and routines. BUT, just because of the language he used and his tone of voice, people were turned away from respecting him as an extreme (famous) athlete.