Are Sport Personalities Suitable Role Models?

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Almost every one of us has a role model carefully selected for life.  A role model is a person looked to by others as an example in a particular role.  Many may see in their mother, father, elder brother or sister such a suitable model while others may find one in great actors, well-known singers, and especially people who are successful in the sports field.  But are sport personalities really suitable role models?

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In today’s speedy world full of stress, we adults and children, are busy either in the house or out at the workplace or school.  Thus, we lack time to devote to the practice of sports and this neglect often leads to obesity, pains, rheumatism and other health problems.  On the other hand, those who practise sports in trying to imitate their favourite sports personality, for example, Michael Jordan – a genius of basket-ball – they not only remain physically fit but can then also fight the daily stress and tensions.  In this way, we can see that taking sport personalities as role models results in the propagation of sports which is good for our health. 

Moreover, since sport is done leisurely too, this gives rise to a healthy and dynamic population.  The illnesses which were existent because of inactivity will gradually be reduced and so will the visits to the clinic, hospital or dispensary.  Therefore, the government’s expenditure in the health sector will be minimised as well.

Consequently, the frequent practice of sports will also trigger the national sports level of the country, and, owing to sport personalities such as Sachin Tendulkar, Serena Williams, Thierry Henry amongst others as role models, more and better athletes will distinguish themselves in several versatile sectors, for instance, cricket, tennis and football.  They will then be able to represent their country in international competitions like the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games and thus bring prestige and fame to their country.

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Furthermore, the suitable lifestyle of the sport personalities contributes to making them role models.  They have to work very hard to keep up with a fit body and their iron determination to be the best has to be admired.  For good performance, they should also lead a disciplined way of living controlled, nutritious diet and regular practice.  Individuals following these personalities are certain to achieve success in life.

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Last but not least, the work that sport personalities do for society has good influence on many people.  A well-known example is the Charity Shield played yearly in the UK.  It is a football match between the first team of the FA Barclays Premiership League and that of the Football Association; the money won is donated to charitable institutions.  Another sports icon, Mohammed Ali, the famous boxer, has donated money for research into the Parkinson disease.  Indeed, sport personalities can be suitable role models.

However, there exist some troubling facts about some sport personalities which should not be ignored.  The latter have recourse to drugs and even doping substances in order to boost their performances – an illegal act.  Thus, it is proved that they are not saintly people.  Two such popular sports icons are Tim Montgomery and Maradona.

Besides, almost all sport personalities have got a mercenary attitude.  Soccer players specially, like David Beckham, are heavily paid for advertising purposes.  Many football players also have a price tag and are bought as mere sales items from one club to the other. A perfect illustration is the brazilian player, Ronaldo who was brought by Real Madrid at thirty-three million pounds from Inter Milan.  Sports has , in this way, become a business.

In brief, I would say that sports personalities are not perfect persons but should be admired for their positive aspects as suitable role models.

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