by James Armstrong

Created on: April 30, 2008

As a sporting enthusiast, I have committed myself in a wide variety of sports in many different cultures. From freestyle motocross in the Arabian desert, to playing competitively in the tennis mecca of Spain, sports have been a passion for me since before I can remember.

I believe the enjoyment of a sport increases as you improve your abilities and technicality. Sports such as surfing and motocross are examples of these because the freedom and experiences one acquires through improved performance is hugely significant with persistence in practice.

In terms of competition, I believe there really is no other sport like tennis. Referred to as the modern day gladiator, exchanging swords for racquet's, anyone who has been to a high performance competition such as a slam will attribute to the resemblance.

There are over three thousand nationally ranked tennis players in Spain alone which proves, quite abruptly, the popularity for the sport which is expanding at an exponential rate. Tennis, unlike many team sports, requires a very personal performance and the pressure on a competitive level is like very few other sports. Tiniest of adjustments mentally or physically can largely determine the outcome of a match and there is no team to hide behind or to dilute your incompetence on an off day. Therefore, the necessary consistency mentally and physically day to day for a top level player may only be described as phenomenal.

Exposure is required to establish anybody into a sport. This exposure is largely dependable on climate and facilities. Team sports such as football, hockey and cricket have developed universally and to all ages. These are just a few but the popularity of these sports has exploded commercially in the last half century. Also the availability to play these sports has made them hugely popular to the masses.

Many sports may be partaken for a variety of reasons and they don't necessarily have to be competitive, I myself enjoy the freedom of surfing and it's intense natural experience. The ultimate goal maybe to ride a tube of a wave; floating away from the dark watery abyss wrapped in swirls of color. Time seems to slow down and stop inside the barrel of a wave, which is possibly one of the closest places to what may be described as a supernatural energy.

Of course every ride is different, and it may seem calculatingly impossible to stand on a plank and ride this lunar, thermal energy, but it is the same as every other sport in which you reach a stage of competency which is subconscious. An equilibrium between yourself, the natural complexities of whatever it is you wield, be it a ball: calculating spin, speed and direction; or riding a board, calculating the seemingly unpredictability of the medium water: judging balance and position without hesitation.

Actually, I believe all sports bear down to confidence which can achieved through practice, regardless of how difficult it may seem. The body and mind is a wonderful combination with no limitation. Anything is possible.

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