A letter on Lance
This was my letter in response to Skip Bayless, who states the case: why Lance is not the greatest athlete in the world.
Dear Skip,
I respect your perspective on Lance Armstrong not being the greatest athlete in the world. There are a few flaws in your argument, from my perspective.
First, you use "ball" sports as your main comparison. I would argue that these are the American sports. You didn't consider "soccer" or true football in your argument. Why? Because you don't cover soccer, or more appropriately, we in the US, tend to ignore soccer and many other "ball" sports (cricket as another example). Do these sports not demand athleticism? Does Beckham not inspire awe for his athletic ability? Why do football and baseball and basketball players always get to be the best? Just because their chosen sports are the most popular? What about Hamm? Is her sport not worthy of consideration for athleticism?
The real problem here is not that you think Lance is not the greatest athlete, but you do not prove that there is anyone better. Sure, you mention that Suzuki now holds the all-time hit record (an amazing personal experience), but you neglect to mention that he is not a champion. He is in a team sport where his team fell short. Lance is also in a team sport, although most forget the team. Lance propels his team and ensure that they win. Like Jordan, he is the catalyst of championships.
And I disagree with your analysis of Lance's ability to learn "ball" sports. How are we to know what he is or is not capable of doing/learning. Did Lance say that he knew how to beat cancer before he got it? Give Lance a chance to really focus and put his all into something before you pass judgment on his abilities. I think he has at least earned that respect.
Ben Thoma
Send Skip Bayless an e-mail yourself.
Dear Skip,
I respect your perspective on Lance Armstrong not being the greatest athlete in the world. There are a few flaws in your argument, from my perspective.
First, you use "ball" sports as your main comparison. I would argue that these are the American sports. You didn't consider "soccer" or true football in your argument. Why? Because you don't cover soccer, or more appropriately, we in the US, tend to ignore soccer and many other "ball" sports (cricket as another example). Do these sports not demand athleticism? Does Beckham not inspire awe for his athletic ability? Why do football and baseball and basketball players always get to be the best? Just because their chosen sports are the most popular? What about Hamm? Is her sport not worthy of consideration for athleticism?
The real problem here is not that you think Lance is not the greatest athlete, but you do not prove that there is anyone better. Sure, you mention that Suzuki now holds the all-time hit record (an amazing personal experience), but you neglect to mention that he is not a champion. He is in a team sport where his team fell short. Lance is also in a team sport, although most forget the team. Lance propels his team and ensure that they win. Like Jordan, he is the catalyst of championships.
And I disagree with your analysis of Lance's ability to learn "ball" sports. How are we to know what he is or is not capable of doing/learning. Did Lance say that he knew how to beat cancer before he got it? Give Lance a chance to really focus and put his all into something before you pass judgment on his abilities. I think he has at least earned that respect.
Ben Thoma
Send Skip Bayless an e-mail yourself.
