Define Athlete

So what exactly makes someone an athlete? Who is the "best" athlete?

Let's be honest many things in our culture are based on who is better. Can I run faster, run longer, lift more, do math better, figure out how to fix a computer, make a better cake, whatever!!?? Does being an athlete include skill or just simple measurable functions (and how are these measured)? So being the competitive person I am, and a life long "athlete" this is something I have asked in my head many times. I want to be the best a whatever I do and have generally subscribed to the idea that if I work harder than everyone, I can become the best.

So, who is the best athlete and how do I (or you) compare?

This is where the task becomes impossible (and while I also subscribe to the idea that nothing is impossible, since this question is answered by opinion and not fact you'll see where I'm coming from).

Those of us old enough might remember the old Reebok commercials for Dan and Dave, which asked "Who is the worlds greatest athlete?". So today, is Ashton Eaton the best (top scoring decathlete in 2011) ? Well can he do the things that Rich Froning can (2011 Crossfit Games winner)? Can either of them compete with LeBron James (we all know him)? Maybe not but LeBron can lift what Brian Shaw can (2011 Worlds Strongest Man) . Fine, but none of them could keep up with Ryan Hall (Top US marathoner 2011).

So what is the answer? Who is the best? It's pretty simple really, all of them are. We need to pick each discipline and decide based on competition which is generally what happens. What each of us hyper competitive people need to do is pick you passion and get to work. Start building to be the best at whatever chosen thing floats your boat.

The pessimist inside each of us will say, forget it, there is no way to beat all of the people ahead of us right now. While it may have a hint of validity we must put that totally out of or thoughts and go after it with every intent of reaching the goal of being the best.

Yes as an athlete there are physical limitations on all of us in one form or another, but if you chose to use that as an excuse then you are already defeated. I want to win the Crossfit Games, sure no one 6 feet or taller or over 30 has won. And sure I can't do 5 straight muscle-ups (yet). And my 5k barely breaks 21:00. I don't care that is my goal. Will I reach that goal? Maybe not but I sure as hell will try. At the end of the day I will feel good about how hard I worked and how much dedication I put into it, while still living my life to the fullest.

Not a bad consolation prize.