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Originally Posted by dirtyrascal7
So from what you've said, you consider athletism to be purely about muscles and their performance (in the context of competition). Hand/eye coordination and skill don't mean anything because they can be learned/practiced... is that correct?
So then would you consider those competing in the "World's Strongest Man" competitions to be the best athletes in the world?
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I see why you think that's what I meant, but no. Hand/eye coordination (along with foot/eye, etc.) clearly factor into most sports (but not all by any means). My problem with driving and baseball is that the hand/eye skills take precedence over strength, speed and endurance. Sports like football, track, soccer, etc. all require coordination skills, but those that aren't in good physical condition cannot accel at them.
Again in the light of full disclosure, I'm a huge baseball fan, specifically the Cubs, but I've met far too many professional baseball players that weren't athletes.
As for the ultramarathoners, I again wasn't clear. The Sahara trek wasn't a race. There was no competition involved. Just like someone hiking to the North Pole or the top of Everest doesn't make them an athlete, completing this journey doesn't make them althetes either. However, if I remember correctly, Zahab won the Leadville 100 a few years ago, which immediately qualifies him as an athlete. Once you introduce competition to the mix, it changes things from an interesting walk/run into a race.