Spirit of the Game

There is little doubt that competition inspires tremendous accomplishments, both individually and as a team. Whether competing head to head or in pursuit of records, athletes, businessmen and even scholars use competition to drive them to higher achievement.

But what happens when a competitive spirit is so overwhelming that it compels one to cheat? What is a little doping in athletic competition, or a little slander in a political campaign? In its simplest form, that’s nothing more than a tactic to end the day as the best man.

In light of recent sporting scandals (doping in the Tour de France; Barry Bonds pursuit of Hank Aaron’s home run record) I find myself asking the question, “When the purity of competition becomes tarnished does it become meaningless?” Isn’t the reason we watch the game to see human struggle and achievement happen before our eyes? If that’s the case, does it matter if everyone is juiced, so long as the playing field is even?

The answer for me is a resounding YES! It does matter! In my mind, competition has little to do with winning. It is the means that allows us to measure our abilities against someone else’s. In its purest form, it is a healthy way for us to become better people. In its ugliest form, it’s egotistical and keeps us from reaching our goals.