Monday, August 23, 2004
funny sports
Today while waiting in queue at the hp service center, i busied myself by watching the olympics on tv. They were showing the women's walking competition. I think, the sport of walking is an extremely interesting one. Two things immediately pop into my head when watching it; one, "haha they look a bit goofy" and two "WHY???"
The first bit is pretty self-explanatory, but the second question is a little bit more complicated. But before I go any further i first have to say that i do not mean to be disrespectful to these athletes or denegrade their sport in anyway, I just have a little trouble understanding it thats all...
So, why? I read an article a couple of days ago about this walker. She was saying how she had took part in many marathons, and was relaying one of her experiences. It went something like this, "there was this marine who said to me the day I beat him will be over his dead body" or something to that effect. She then went on to desribe how she blew past him after a couple of kms. When asked whether she walks faster than she runs, she said running is still faster. this is where my confusion comes, why does this sport exist when it is basically a slowed version of running? what is their to admire when watching these people basically do the same thing but only more slowly and awkwardly? you obviously cant compare it to motor racing for example, where it is a 'graduation' process and people start with slower go-karts then gradually move up to F1, this is more like asking swimmers to only use their faces to propel themselves.
oh well i think my confusion is result of my ignorance. obviously there is some special skill to walking which i am not aware of, and therefore do not appreciate as much.
*next week we'll compare Volleyball and Beach Volleyball!!! hahaha
The first bit is pretty self-explanatory, but the second question is a little bit more complicated. But before I go any further i first have to say that i do not mean to be disrespectful to these athletes or denegrade their sport in anyway, I just have a little trouble understanding it thats all...
So, why? I read an article a couple of days ago about this walker. She was saying how she had took part in many marathons, and was relaying one of her experiences. It went something like this, "there was this marine who said to me the day I beat him will be over his dead body" or something to that effect. She then went on to desribe how she blew past him after a couple of kms. When asked whether she walks faster than she runs, she said running is still faster. this is where my confusion comes, why does this sport exist when it is basically a slowed version of running? what is their to admire when watching these people basically do the same thing but only more slowly and awkwardly? you obviously cant compare it to motor racing for example, where it is a 'graduation' process and people start with slower go-karts then gradually move up to F1, this is more like asking swimmers to only use their faces to propel themselves.
oh well i think my confusion is result of my ignorance. obviously there is some special skill to walking which i am not aware of, and therefore do not appreciate as much.
*next week we'll compare Volleyball and Beach Volleyball!!! hahaha
