Is “Jeopardy” an athletic event? How about about “Family Feud”? The answer is, as Curly Joe of the Three Stooges would have said, “Why soytinly!” Both qualify as contests requiring mental athleticism and in the Feud’s case, team work. They are like chess, a prime example of mental gymnastics. Just because no one is handling a ball, running at top speed, or knocking someone down, doesn’t mean they are not sporting events. They definitely are.
The Boss and I look forward to and follow every minute of “Dancing With the Stars.” If you do not consider professional dancers to be athletes then you are neither observant or knowledgeable. Locally, the season 19 premier was preempted by the Colts game Monday night, much to the Boss’ dismay. We will get back on with it next Monday night, but I digress. Over the years we have seen much in the way of physicality on the program. Celebrities such as Kelly Osbourne, Ricki Lake, Kirsti Alley, Ralph Macchio and even NFLer Warren Sapp have shed pounds and gotten into fighting trim while competing on the show. Indy winner Helio Castroneves surprised everyone with his grace, poise, and athletic ability when he won the season five trophy with a professional partner. Certainly some contestants fall by the wayside because they are just not up to the physically demanding challenge of the program. Even some former professional athletes like Michael Irvin and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. have been unable to keep pace. There is no shame in that, because just to compete is quite an athletic challenge.
I also have become a fan of “So You Think You Can Dance.” This season, which was season 11, featured among others, a 20-year-old tap dancer from Indianapolis named Valerie Rocky who was simply breathtaking. Valerie was runner-up in the competition but her athleticism and competitive skills were second to none. Ms. Rocky is as much an athlete as any Fever, Pacer, or Colts player, — maybe even more. All the dancers were sensational athletes, and besides, if Las Vegas makes book on the outcome of a competition such “DWTS” or “So You Think,” then they are truly sporting events.
I have watched competitive ballroom dancing on PBS and again I have to say that these are the thinking person’s athletic events. The Boss and I have friends, Virg and Norma Dollar who are dancers and have danced as a couple in competitive events. They globe trot, bicycle tour, and engage in strenuous physical activity that would put some kids to shame. They are truly sport all-stars and are heroes of the Boss and I.
Poker has become quite popular as a spectator sport. While playing cards is not as physical as, say, competing in an Iron Man competition, it requires the players be in a state of top mental and emotional conditioning. Any competitive poker player will tell you that to be in the best mental shape, one has to be in top physical shape. Daniel Negreanu, one of the world’s top poker players, also plays hockey, and maintains a regiment of exercise and physical conditioning. He is also a vegan and drinks lots of water. He, too, is an athlete.
Even events such as “American Idol” and “The Voice” require the contestants to be in top physical shape. Josh Kaufman, who is an IUPUI grad and Indianapolis resident, was the winner of season six of “The Voice.” He admitted that the physical and emotional stress he endured was as demanding as the singing itself. Any competition requires physical fitness. Strength and endurance are prime weapons in any competition be it the Super Bowl or the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions.
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