Overcoming Adversity

Millions of people across the globe participate in a physical test of skill and competition daily. However, not all of these people can be referred to as athletes. An athlete, as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary, “is an individual who is trained in or is good at sports, games, or exercises that require physical skill and strength.” This definition merely scratches the surface of what an athlete truly is in today’s society. Athletes must have the burning desire to compete, be able to face adversity with comfort, and exert physical skill daily in order to better themselves. Athletes must have a burning desire to compete because if there is no longing to compete with another team or individual, then the athlete can never better themselves …show more content…
Adversity is a difficulty that one must overcome to achieve personal gain and success. A prime example of such difficulty overcome in a dire situation was when Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers came back from a 3-1 deficit in NBA finals. Everyone can face adversity, but not everyone can face it with comfort as Lebron James did in the most important games of his life. Those who can become comfortable with the uncomfortability of adversity better themselves and can be considered an athlete. Therefore, those who call themselves athletes should aspire to be like Lebron James in the finals and overcome adversity comfortably to better themselves as a sportsman. Many can call themselves an athlete, however to be considered an athlete to the eyes of many one must overcome anything that is thrown their way and be able to handle it in a professional and comfortable …show more content…
Athletes must exert and practice their physical skill daily in order to become the most prestigious athlete they can be in their profession. A prime example of such hard work and physical skill to its perfection is the Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. This athlete became the most decorated Olympian because he worked every day in his profession. An athlete must then be like Michael Phelps and perform one hundred percent everyday in order to become the best at their skill. Professional athletes must work daily in order to stay at the top of their sport, therefore one cannot simply be called an athlete because he or she puts on a uniform and goes onto the playing field. Athletes must seek perfection on and off the field in order to become successful in their lives

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