This episode’s vocabulary
Grit
noun — bravery and strength of character.
Determination
noun — the ability to continue trying to do something, although it is very difficult.
To persevere
verb — to continue making an effort to do or achieve something, even when this is difficult or takes a long time.
To exploit
verb — to use something in a way that helps you.
To compete
verb — to try to be more successful than someone or something else.
Regime
noun — A regime is a set of rules about food, exercise, or beauty that some people follow in order to stay healthy or attractive.
Attitude
noun — the way you feel about something or someone, or a particular feeling or opinion.
To cultivate
verb — to try to develop and improve something.
Intimidating
adj. — making you feel frightened or nervous.
Coordination
noun — the ability to make your arms, legs, and other body parts move in a controlled way.
Questions and answers
Rory, are you ready to rock and roll?
Yes, let's get going.
What characteristics do you think an athlete should have?
I suppose, the same as anyone who is required to work hard. You need grit, determination, the will to persevere against all odds. It's also helpful to know the ins and outs of your sport and how to exploit that knowledge to the fullest extent.
Why are there so few top athletes?
Well, why are there so few top anything. Like in any hierarchy, there will be a few people at the top and increasingly larger numbers at the levels below them. That's just how life works. I think I mentioned the Pareto distribution a while back, which shows how this manifests. Like 80% of something will be controlled or generated by 20% of those in the hierarchy. It's the same in athletics. And thank heavens, because otherwise, what would be the point in competing?
What's the best way to become a top athlete?
Having a good trainer and a training regime is always a good place to start. But you need to have the right attitude too. There's this sort of mentality that winners have which seems to keep them going. I'm not sure how to cultivate that. But if there is a way then that will be as important as the physical conditioning.
And do you think anybody can become a top athlete?
Well, if they're willing to put in the time and effort to do so then yes. I don't think there are any barriers to entry in that sense.
What kinds of sports are popular in your country?
I think it would be easier to say the kinds that aren't, frankly. I discovered the other day that aside from the usual sports like football and rugby, we have a very well-developed gymnastics community. So it seems there's something for everyone.
What kinds of exercise do people in your country like?
Well, given that we have one of the unhealthiest populations in Western Europe, it seems like we don't like doing any exercise at all. That aside, the popular ones among men are usually things like football and rugby, so that's sort of running around. And I think lots of women go to yoga or Zumba. So that would be lots of stretching. Though you can choose whatever you like, really. It seems lots of older people are doing water sports and going to the gym, for example, too.
And is there a difference between what older people do and what young people do?
I don't think so everyone pretty much has equal access to everything, don't they?
What outdoor sports are popular now?
That's a good question. Lots of people are talking about doing one rose, which is basically mountaineering or hiking or walking mixed together. That's not really a sport, though, is it? Context sports are usually outdoor affairs, aren't they?
What else can people do to keep fit apart from sports?
Well, I think the best options are jogging, going to the gym, and swimming. They aren't very competitive. But you can take things at your own pace. Though sometimes people can look a bit intimidating at the gym.
But if we don't talk about sports and exercise, what else can people do to keep fit?
I don't know what you would do apart from sport and exercise to keep fit. There's got to be some kind of work involved. Otherwise, it's not gonna work, is it? It's not going to be effective, is it?
What activities can schools organize for children to keep fit?
Oh, lots. We looked at this in our PE input session the other week. It's not just matches, but there are classes for skills development, structured games to improve coordination of the works, really. I really like the flexibility people seem to have in schools these days, both from a teaching and learning perspective.
What do older people in your country do to keep fit?
Oh, unfortunately, I'm not sure they do. Many are confined to care homes, which I completely disapprove of. But some of the younger older people, so to speak, get out and about, and they go to the gym, and they manage to work just fine.
Do you see that in the future people will do more sports, or will do sport more regularly?
I would like to think so. Yes.
Why?
Well, I'm optimistic about the future.
That's it. Bug off.
That's all I have. -