Athletes have long been revered as role models for their impressive physical abilities and impressive performances on the field or court. Many people, particularly young children and adolescents, look up to athletes as figures to emulate and aspire to be like. While it is certainly true that athletes can serve as positive role models, it is also important to recognize that they are human and may not always make the best decisions or exhibit the best behavior.
On the positive side, athletes can serve as role models for the dedication and hard work that is required to succeed in their sport. Many athletes train for hours each day, pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits in order to improve their skills and reach their full potential. This dedication and drive to succeed can be inspiring to others, particularly young people who may be looking for role models to guide them in their own endeavors.
In addition to their dedication and hard work, athletes can also serve as role models for the values they exhibit on and off the field. For example, an athlete who is known for their sportsmanship, fairness, and respect for their opponents can serve as a positive role model for these virtues. Similarly, an athlete who is involved in philanthropic efforts and gives back to their community can serve as an example of the importance of service and charitable giving.
However, it is also important to recognize that athletes are human and may not always make the best decisions or exhibit the best behavior. Like anyone else, they are capable of making mistakes and engaging in behavior that is not consistent with the values and expectations we have for role models. It is therefore important for those who look up to athletes as role models to recognize that they are not perfect and to not blindly idolize them, but rather to consider the values and actions that they exemplify both on and off the field.
In conclusion, while athletes can certainly serve as positive role models for their dedication, hard work, and values, it is important to recognize that they are human and may not always make the best decisions or exhibit the best behavior. It is therefore important for those who look up to athletes as role models to consider the values and actions that they exemplify and to not blindly idolize them.
Athletes as Role Models
Popularized by athletes, performance-enhancing drugs and dietary supplements have continued to be marketed via print and electronic mediums to the unsuspecting market segment that is largely comprised of the youth. Sure enough the next game Ruth pointed to where he was going to hit the ball and crushed the ball out of the park. . When they see a post from one of these two, and countless other WNBA and NBA athletes especially, they are just as likely to see a post surrounding social justice or celebrating Blackness as they are to see one of a highlight dunk. She has strong views on gender equality in sport. And while some professional athletes get drafted straight out of high school, most still have to prove themselves as college athletes to get a look. Without a doubt, the spotlight just shines brighter on athletes.
Athletes As Role Models — Reflect Forward
Setting a good example for kids, off and on the court, is crucial to children today. All opinion pieces will be reviewed for appropriateness, and the opinions shared are solely of the author and not representative of The Ohio State University or any of its affiliates. Likewise, athletes face numerous physical problems causing harm to their bodies. I can admire their skills but want to know about the total personality before deciding. I have seen many cases where young people end up in all sorts of trouble because they where imitating something that an entertainer or athlete did. Athletes might not realize that they are being scrutinized not only on their athletic abilities but also their choices. Athletes are human, which means they make mistakes.
Should athletes be role models?
It seems like they need to change their behavior just because they play good ball. They can feel success and satisfaction when they have learned something new, seen skill improvement in themselves, or given maximum effort. But the blame must also be placed on their lack of understanding the significance of being an athlete here. They did not beg off from the responsibility, though it may have been hard. We all admire people that overcome adversity Jonah Lomu was the youngest All Black when he played his first international in 1994. Elite athletes demonstrate exceptional performance, character, and resilience that draws admiration from fans but we need to be cautious that our hero-worshipping of elite athletes does not set us up to have poor role models.
