Channel Button

There are 31 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #5 by Helium's members.

Society & Lifestyle   >

African-American Issues

Get a Widget for this title

Why black athletes dominate sports

Without wanting to be lumped into the category of those afraid to admit it, I would say that to say that black athletes dominate sport is something of a generalisation. You see (I would argue) a largely equal proportion of whites and blacks winning medals in the Olympic games, and playing sports such as soccer. Some games, such as perhaps rugby, are dominated by white people, and some, such as perhaps basketball, are dominated by black people.

But it is very true that there are sports where black people do dominate. Long distance running for example is often won by countries like Ethiopia. Why? Well, various reasons. One main reason is the fact that they train in blistering temperatures, putting a much greater strain on their bodies, and so are much more able to cope with any adverse conditions on race day. Furthermore, they come from cultures where there is no such thing as obesity - everyone is fit and strong, and as such they have a much wider range of athletes to choose from. Competition is fierce, so those that get through are winners.

I don't however believe that all sport is dominated by black athletes, nor do I believe that there is any reason that people should be afraid to talk about it. When Jesse Owens won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics people were not afraid to praise him for his prowess - no matter what the colour of his skin was, not even with Adolf Hitler looking on with disapproval. I sincerely hope that the same is true today.

It would be nice also to not even consider the distinction between a white and a black athlete...but evidentally that day is a way off.

Learn more about this author, Algernon Moncrieff.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Why black athletes dominate sports

View All Articles on:
Why black athletes dominate sports

Add your voice

Know something about Why black athletes dominate sports?
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Can't African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, etc., just be called Americans?

Click for your side.

173917

Featured Partner

Takes All Types

Takes All Types has partnered with Helium, giving you the chance to write for a cause. Browse Takes All Types' f...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA