I have a serious problem with the state of sport across the globe, and it's the OPPOSITE problem you always hear about. At least half of it is.
Sport as the striving for physical excellence has been hobbled beyond reason as a form of human advancement. Only the most dogmatic and hidebound forms find wide acclaim, but more than this, the very mentality of "pure sport" interferes with pure competition.
Humanity's greatness is measured in achievements both personal and social. This means technology meshed into raw natural power. This means testing the limits, both comfortable and uncomfortable. Do not delude yourselves; you force the mantle of gladiator upon these individuals, the least you can let them do is let them choose their own weapons.
Think of the possible gains, both medical and performance oriented. If individuals paid millions for seasonal jobs and lavished with praise for purely subjective achievement can't take a risk for the betterment of the species, who can exactly? More of your sports heroes would do so willingly than you think, were it a matter of praise instead of censure.
But for some real fun have their dosing schedules posted among the rest of their stats. Give the REAL nerds a reason to love sports cards and statistics too. Let every fan with an interest in the science of physical superiority know the potential tools, and their accompanying hindrances, with perfect clarity of broadcast.
Two sports that have been given to the gutters I mourn the loss of. I speak of horse racing and pool. The first is a metaphor of leadership; preparation and training paramount in holding together the mighty beast you ride, rushing towards the goal with your competitors close behind. The second is a metaphor for divine war, from "big bang" to final claim over the void, with the complex elements of good and evil reduced to a simple "solid or stripe". Even dodge ball has greater merit as an open strategic study than football. It's hilarious.
Instead we fund stagnant growth within stagnant forms, throwing resources at entertainment hand over fist without even having the foresight to consolidate expense. What the HELL is wrong with this picture?
