h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Games We Play

Posted Sep 30, 2002

There is something about having a passion in life that's very healthy, I think. I don't necessarily mean for another person - though that is great fun and inspiring and everything - but for doing something. There's something about physical movement which really does it for me, whether it's my running on a treadmill or watching a footie match. My running along feels like flying when I'm really in the groove and watching my football team is a bit like - well, connection to something grander than my usual, workaday concerns. Connection with the 11 of them on the pitch and connection to the thousands of people who are there supporting the same team.

I was very lucky in having an understanding PE teacher at school who realised that although I was an overweight kid, I really loved sport and always gave of my best. She was always very encouraging. I feel lucky to have avoided the sadists I've heard about from so many friends.

What I think is a shame is that so many of those less skilful and enlightened phys ed teachers portray sport as being a measure of your worth as a person. I think there are lots of lessons about life that can be seen in sport but it's impossible to take any new lessons on board when you are left with the feeling that second is nowhere. I find it really moving to watch someone like Paula Radcliffe go back again and again and again to try and win and then be flexible enough to change events and begin to be successful. There's something very inspiring about watching people striving to be their best and beating the odds.

This isn't about nationalism, it's about watching people trying to be the best they can be and I like that sort of positivity.

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Latest reply: Sep 30, 2002