Real Sports

You know what's not a sport? Swimming.

In my mind sports are athletic competitions in which there is relatively an offense and defensive interacting. Now, I know that it takes an immense amount skill and ability to do some other activities, but that's how I define the word 'sport'. All other so called 'sports' I don't think are technically 'sports'. This includes, bowling, track & field, skying, golf, and others. Now, don't get me wrong! I love a lot of these. I love playing golf and bowling isn't too bad either. But, under a technical scope I don't categorize them as 'sports'. I think they are more 'competitive activities' in which to compete. You know, "Who can do this one thing better?".

Who can swim this pool length faster"

Who can finish this par 5 dogwood in the fewest strokes?"

Who can get the highest bowling score?"

But, I think basketball, baseball, and certainly football are much more complicated because the two teams interact with each other during play and have an equal effect on what occurs in the game and scoring of each team..

However, for the record, due the social forces and norms that now dictate what are sports, I have no problems with swimming, golf and those others mention being categorized as 'sports'. Those who compete in them are certainly talented and worked hard enough to get recognized on ESPN.

But then again, how is 'tire changing' or 'house building' or 'vodka drinking' not a sport?

(I suppose if Vodka drinking was a sport Paul Valentine would win every time and the whole sport would get very boring)