Another Canon Fodder definition:
athlete – a person that makes the conscious decision to partake in training to better themselves beyond the scope of “ordinary†for their particular brand of competition.
A key aspect here is the dedication put forth by the athlete to their respective craft. Just as a basketball player practices the jump shot, a chess player studies theory and strategy. They are both exercising the proverbial ‘muscles’ necessary for them to compete at the highest levels of their sport.
As we discussed on Monday, golf is a non-sport, but I feel Tiger Woods is an athlete. Driving a ball a few hundred yards with accuracy isn’t just a skill; it’s a feat of strength that comes from proper conditioning and practice. (Though pro golfers are sissies for having someone else carry their bag and clubs.) On the flipside, someone like John Daly doesn’t seem to be hitting the gym too often so he can stay on top of his game. He might die if he attempted to carry his own bags for a round of eighteen.  The lesson? A golfer can be an athlete (Tiger Woods) but doesn’t have to be (Lefty and Daly). Besides, there’s a senior tour so let’s not get too carried away and start calling the geriatric set “athletesâ€. Golf is a game and you don’t have to be an athlete to master it, but it certainly helps. (more…)