Sportsmanship in Sports and in Life

Every now and then I hear about examples of great sportsmanship. I love the inspiration of seeing athletes rise above their own feelings and fears to reach out to their competitors.

An Example of Great Sportsmanship from Figure Skating

Recently at the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, Team USA pairs skater Mark Ladwig had his skate break during his short program. He was given the allowed three minutes to return to the ice and finish the program.

While he was trying to decide whether to use duct tape or screws to fix his skate boot, he was handed a boot from a friend – and pairs competitor – Rudi Swiegers of Team Canada. Because Rudi and Mark wear the same size skates, Mark and his partner were able to complete their short program and the competition. Here’s more about the story from Team USA: Swiegers gives Ladwig the boot.

An Example of Great Sportsmanship from Softball

I first saw this video at The Zen Mama’s Blog in her Inspirational Movie Monday. It’s an amazingly beautiful example of sportsmanship … I still get teary-eyed every time I see it.

Become the Blessing

The description for the “Girls Softball Miracle” video on YouTube says simply

Throw away the selfishness…and let the beauty of helping others comes into our hearts. Be a blessing!

I can’t help but think of Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts. Ann talks about finding joy through gratitude. And then she talks about the greatest gift – to become the blessing:

Here I can become the blessing, a little life that multiplies joy, making the larger world a better place. (p. 200)

That’s what true sportsmanship can do in sports – and in life. I think we all need to look at how we can show the best possible sportsmanship, whether it’s in a sport, in school, at work, or in any life situation. Let’s focus on what’s more important than “winning” – being a person of character and integrity … encouraging our friends and competitors … being a blessing whenever we can.

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