Jake Yono

JY Journalism

11/12/25

      The Glory Of Sports

Hello, everyone. Today, I will be talking about the glory of sports and why people have a deep love and passion for what is often called “the children’s game.” Despite its simplicity, playing sports has allowed many athletes to build careers and earn tens of millions of dollars. What some see as just a game is, for others, a lifelong journey filled with dedication, sacrifice, and personal growth. I’ll be showcasing what professional athletes experience throughout their entire journey, starting from their youth. Additionally, I will incorporate my personal experiences in cross country and track and field to provide insight into the athletic lifestyle.

People usually start playing sports because they are inspired by a family member, a professional athlete, or simply because their friends do it, and they want to learn. A significant factor in a child’s involvement in sports is parental influence. If a parent has high-level athletic experience, they are more likely to provide their child with elite training, travel teams, and access to top-tier coaching. These young athletes are put in environments that foster improvement, which gives them an advantage over those who may not have the same opportunities. On the other hand, parents without this background may not emphasize sports as much, resulting in their children having fewer resources. Some families also rely on their children to work, creating an obvious disadvantage. Anyone who claims the playing field is completely level is being unrealistic. This isn’t to say that athletes from less privileged backgrounds can’t succeed. However, an athlete who constantly works hard and innovates to compete will face a much tougher path compared to those with superior coaching, extensive experience, proper nutrition, and access to high-quality equipment. This disparity is especially apparent in sports like golf, tennis, skiing, hockey, and baseball, where costs for training and gear are high. Private lessons, top-tier equipment, and travel expenses can cost thousands of dollars annually, and without financial support, many talented athletes never get the chance to compete at the highest level. On the positive side, some sports are more accessible, such as soccer, American football, basketball, and track and field. These sports require less expensive equipment, allowing a wider range of athletes to participate. This accessibility helps level the playing field, allowing raw talent and dedication to shine. While I strongly support efforts to make all sports more accessible, the rising costs and economic trends make this a difficult challenge.

Passion for sports develops at an early age when kids first get involved. A positive environment is essential for success, in my opinion, allowing them to gain experience and knowledge, which is crucial. The foundation of an athlete is built in these early years, as they begin to understand teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

As athletes progress, they build confidence through overcoming challenges, helping them perform under pressure. The best athletes take this confidence, reflect on it, and apply it to their training and competition. They find a true passion for their sport, continuing to push forward even when results don’t go their way. This mindset is what leads to long-term success. In my own sports journey, I have faced many trials and errors, but I have learned to cherish the successes and use them as motivation for the grueling hours of training. I was introduced to sports at a young age, playing baseball, flag football, basketball, and lacrosse. I am incredibly grateful to my parents for encouraging me to explore different sports and allowing me to find what I truly enjoy. I ultimately stuck with track and field, which I currently compete in at the high school level, after trying it in fifth grade. I started cross country in seventh grade and have continued ever since, realizing that running is one of the most physically demanding sports—there are no halftimes, breaks, or timeouts; you go hard until you’re done. Another crucial aspect of sports is mental strength. Physical ability can only take an athlete so far. I am very fortunate to be in a strong athletic state of mind, and like all elite athletes, I strive for more. I am also incredibly lucky to have access to excellent resources that help me refine my craft and potentially take my abilities to the next level if I choose to pursue that path. My journey in running has taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of hard work—lessons that extend beyond sports and into everyday life. Whether or not I continue competing beyond high school, these lessons will always stay with me.

At the end of the day, sports are more than just games—they are a way of life. They teach valuable life skills, provide an outlet for passion and energy, and create lifelong memories. Whether someone plays at a recreational level or professionally, the love for the game remains the same. The glory of sports isn’t just about winning championships or making millions—it’s about the journey, the lessons learned, and the people met along the way.