WHAT MAKES AN ATHLETE GREAT?
BY TICARUS M. BUNCH
FEBURARY 17, 2024
As sports fans, we often marvel at the incredible feats of our favorite athletes. From the clutch performances in high-pressure situations to the awe-inspiring displays of physical prowess, we are constantly reminded of the greatness of these individuals. But what exactly makes an athlete great? Is it their natural talent, their work ethic, or something else entirely.
One of the most important qualities of a great athlete is their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. This is what separates the champions from the losers. We see this time and time again in sports, where a player or team that was not favored to win comes out on top due to their ability to perform under pressure. Take the example of Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. In a recent article CBS SPORTS discuss the recent arrest of Patrick’s father and his legal issues. Other media outlets such as THE NEW YORK POST focused on the attention surrounding his teammate Jason Kelce’s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift, Despite what some people may call distractions, Mahomes was able to focus on the game and lead his team to back-to-back Superbowl championships. This is the mark of a truly great athlete: the ability to block out distractions and perform at their best when it matters most.
Another key trait of a great athlete is their work ethic. While natural talent can take you far, it is the dedication and hard work that truly sets the best apart from the rest. Michael Irvin, the hall of fame wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, is a great example of this. Despite facing legal issues off the field, Irvin who last year faced more legal issues that he was able to defeat, never let it any negativity affect his game. He was able to separate his personal life from his profession and remain focused on improving his skills as a player. This dedication to his craft is what made him one of the best to ever play the game. Which remains to be seen for De’Nylon Morrissette. De’Nylon just opted into the transfer portal after being arrested recently in Oconee County for DUI.
Finally, a great athlete must possess a certain level of mental toughness. This means being able to handle adversity and bounce back from setbacks. It's easy to perform well when everything is going your way, but it's the ability to keep pushing forward even when things get tough that separates the truly great from the rest. Kadarius Toney, the star wide receiver for the Chiefs, was outraged over being a healthy scratch and had to watch the Superbowl from the sidelines, according to USA Today. Inevitability he can’t wait for next season so he can come back stronger and prove his worth to whatever team he plays for. This mental toughness is what allows athletes to persevere through injuries, losses, and other setbacks and emerge even stronger on the other side. There are five attributes every great athlete must have to be great as illustrated in this infographic. Subsequently, what makes an athlete great is a combination of all these attributes, and the ability to perform under pressure. While each of these qualities is important on its own, it is the combination of all five that separates the best from the rest. Whether you're a fan of football, basketball, or any other sport, it's easy to recognize greatness when you see it. So, the next time you're watching your favorite athlete in action, and you know they just went through a negative battle away from their respective sport or simply overcame a huge distraction, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work and dedication that went into making them one of the best in the world.
1. DICIPLINE 2. MENTAL TOUGHNESS 3. GOAL-ORIENTED 4. ADAPTABILITY 5. POSITIVE ATTITUDE
SOURCES:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-in-world/202011/what-makes-great-athlete
- https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/research/substance-use-college-sport-overview
