While I love playing and watching all sports, the idea of specializing in one to maximize my enjoyment by playing at a higher level occurred to me years ago. Though I haven't put much time into making a decision (or doing anything athletic), instead of basketball, tennis, golf, ultimate, volleyball, or foosball, I may have to choose the next great sport which will be coming to America soon, Chess Boxing, thanks News of the Weird.
I haven't played chess consistently (or perhaps at all) since my freshman year of college - when I was debatably the best player on my hall (I was 0-1 against one person, but since they would never play me again I obviously maintain my title - like in boxing you have to face the number 1 challenger) and though I have always wanted to learn how to box, I have never stepped in the ring or trained. However, if this sport existed, perhaps I would be motivated to learn the actual names of chess maneuvers and set my jump rope to the right length.
Back in my school days, I dreamed of a sport that combined math competitions with pretty much any athletic endeavor. I was sure I could become the Michael Jordan of this sport, but alas I have never heard of such a thing. The closest I ever came to participating in such a competition was one outside where each team had to designate a person to run to different stations to collect questions and drop off answers. Unfortunately, I don't believe we won that event, though I think we won the overall competition.
Posted by shs4 at January 11, 2004 03:13 PM | TrackBack