Character and Sport

It has been trendy in the last fifteen years for people to say things like, “Sports build character.” Some have said, “Losing is good for a team, it builds character.” Others have tossed the whole conversation aside as they have seen less than exemplary character displayed by sports people, on the field of competition and off of it. What do you say about the issue of character and sport?

As I have competed in sport and worked with those who compete for my whole lifetime, I have noticed that rather than sport simply building character or tearing it down, it tends to reveal the nature of the character in each person and often in a whole team, organization or community.

It’s like the competitors are each being squeezed by the competition. The sport and its situations, stresses and pressures squeeze the player’s heart, soul and mind. Like an orange leaks orange juice when squeezed, so the sports person leaks the true nature of his or her character.

When we’re under pressure we’re much more likely to display the weaknesses of our character through our speech, our actions and our attitudes. The opposite is also true. Often the best of our character is revealed when the pressure comes. Otherwise, where would the hero be? What would reveal the champion’s character of perseverance, courage, loyalty and resolve?

So what is our conclusion? I affirm that sport and all its pressures reveal the character of each participant by creating points of insight for those who observe. Coaches, parents, teammates and even some fans can see the true nature of the participants in competition. Sometimes it reveals the weaknesses we would all like to keep hidden. Other times it reveals the absolute best parts of who we are and we’re thrilled with the outcome. In either case, let me encourage you to play your heart out and to welcome the testing as a part of your personal development.