08-19-2008, 11:52 PM
I'm in favor of Combat Golf myself.
Seriously, I'm inclined to agree about the expensive equipment. I had a friend in high school who was an outstanding horseman, and there was talk of his competing in the Olympics. His parents spent $30,000 on a horse for him (in 1979), and they just couldn't afford one good enough for that level of competition. So he toured with the Lipizzaner show instead.
That comment about sports the Africans can't afford really strikes a chord. That's part of trying to keep the Olympics a "rich man's club," and there are some countries that circumvent this by supporting their athletes.
Do we slam them as non-amateurs? Or is the fact that many outstanding natural athletes simply can't afford to take years off their careers for training just the way it is?
Interesting question. Both sides could have valid points.
Seriously, I'm inclined to agree about the expensive equipment. I had a friend in high school who was an outstanding horseman, and there was talk of his competing in the Olympics. His parents spent $30,000 on a horse for him (in 1979), and they just couldn't afford one good enough for that level of competition. So he toured with the Lipizzaner show instead.
That comment about sports the Africans can't afford really strikes a chord. That's part of trying to keep the Olympics a "rich man's club," and there are some countries that circumvent this by supporting their athletes.
Do we slam them as non-amateurs? Or is the fact that many outstanding natural athletes simply can't afford to take years off their careers for training just the way it is?
Interesting question. Both sides could have valid points.
Wayne Anderson/ Wander
