Although I passionately and religiously follow a wide range of professional and amateur sports, I do not consider myself competitive. I just enjoy watching healthy competition between elite athletes. Usually, it doesn’t matter to me which team or person wins as long as the participants play hard and fair. That doesn’t mean I don’t pick a favorite to win. However, I don’t have a vested emotional interest in who wins. I just don’t want anyone to be a really big loser. In fact, in most cases before the end of a game, match, or bout, I am cheering for the underdog. But at the conclusion of Super Bowl XLVIII I was sad and ready to give up watching professional football forever.
My reaction to Denver’s profound loss to Seattle reaffirmed hat I am a nurturer not a competitor. When it comes to athletics, I don’t like putting in the rigor necessary to win. Instead, I prefer to participate vicariously through the strenuous efforts of athletes. Third, strength of character is demonstrated when losers humbly acknowledge defeat. Anyone can compete, but only a champion illustrates grace after suffering a loss.
Sometime after the Super Bowl, various Denver Broncos’ players graciously gave interviews. The style with which the players comported themselves following their crushing defeat (witnessed by millions on the international stage) highlights the phrase: “the heart of a champion.” In addition to possessing skill, talent, and drive champions are gracious losers that exert extreme self-control.
allegrahoots 
Clara @A Slice of Homeschool Pie
February 7, 2014 at 5:12 am
“Champions are gracious losers that exert extreme self-control.” Very well put!
Proud Parent
February 7, 2014 at 6:48 pm
Thanks for visiting my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment. Have a great day!!
Proud Parent
February 8, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my blog.
Allegra
bestofbarbara
February 9, 2014 at 2:41 am
Dear Allegra?. My sentiments entirely. At least you won’t b one of those little league moms. who teach thir children that they have to win and not to enjoy the game forit’s own sake.
Proud Parent
February 9, 2014 at 8:42 am
Barbara, my son has never enjoyed sports. when he was much younger I worried about him because I am from a very athletic family. Fortunately for him, he found his own path.
Proud Parent
February 9, 2014 at 10:07 am
Thanks Clara!
Davaughn
February 7, 2014 at 2:12 pm
Very interesting;
Proud Parent
February 7, 2014 at 6:47 pm
Thank you for visiting my blog.
cyclingrandma
February 7, 2014 at 4:48 pm
Well said. I am not a football fan– I’ve started following basketball thanks to my daughter but only slightly– but these athletes are role models to young people and should take every opportunity to show their best selves.
Proud Parentallegr
February 7, 2014 at 6:35 pm
You are absolutely correct, and just perhaps their positive actions will positively impact even older people.
Proud Parent
February 7, 2014 at 6:49 pm
I think I am beginning to get the hang of blogging. I like it!!
Ashley Laabs
February 8, 2014 at 10:33 pm
I relate to your position a lot. I do think I am competitive, but with myself mostly. It’s not an outward display that I act out with others, I usually just notice things I admire and fuel myself to continue personal improvement.
When it comes to sports, people laugh because i have no sense of loyalty! I just root for whoever has less points at any given time. It always makes for a nail-biter to me! Haha.
Have a great day! And thanks for sharing. I’ll be following along.
Ashley
http://www.habituallyhopeful.com
Proud Parent
February 9, 2014 at 8:45 am
Thanks so much for your very thoughtful comments. You sound like a woman after my own heart. We are encouragers.