highthief

I watch certain sports (soccer, ice hockey, rugby league and union, NCAA football, the Olympic-type sports, tennis and a little golf) both live and on TV (mostly on TV these days). It's a couple of things I guess.

I was raised to appreciate many sports - I watched as a kid and went to games. I grew up in both Montreal and Liverpool at a time when both cities boasted the most dominant teams in the world. Every spring brought trophies. I don't think I've ever really idolized a player, though I have witnessed some of the greatest athletes live. But with team sports there is certainly a tribal feeling - I am part of a greater nation when I cheer Liverpool at soccer, the Montreal Canadiens at ice hockey, the OSU Buckeyes at NCAA football, St. Helens at rugby league, or Canada or England's national teams.

I appreciate and cheer for athletes to break new barriers whether they are Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, or Usain Bolt. I'm involved in sports myself and have been my whole life - never quite good enough to make it at the highest levels but I've seen what it takes and the skill and dedication is amazing.

I would go back to what skizziks pointed out - people are facinated by all sorts of people. Writers, actors, singers, etc. But I think the fact is that sports - especially team sports or national events like the Olympics - can bring people together like none of those things tends to makes it a little different.

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