Actually, given how out of hand things got I just re-read the thread - I did not start it but rather supported an opinion wherein the poster stated that it's not a true WC. And I stand by that opinion for reasons I've tried to explain (without resorting to name calling and/or references to world wars btw.) In any event, I'm done. Everyone is entitled to their opinion - I laid mine out, along with the reasons, above. Cheers, Ian
You guys are HILARIOUS! Life is to good to be taking our WORLD championship so seriously! Besides, real football is over. Time for some F1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I said, "no biggie". I'll try and recreate it without the vitriol but still trying to make the same point. - Cricket - Probably. Although it's a big growth sport out here, so I dunno. - Rugby - Possible, but doubtful - I'm pretty sure the USA has a few players earning a living playing rugby in the UK right now. - Soccer The USA -v- England game opens the world championship for both teams. Just *qualifying* for the tournament takes over two years, and every team there deserves it. On any given day, any one has a chance to beat any other. The "experts" obviously have England as favorites, but this is why we play the games that determine the WC's. IMHO 'nuff said. Cheers, Ian
World Championship of Soccer. Actually, the World Championship of slot car racing might be the most 'worldly' of them all, because it pits people AND chassis AND motors AND motor parts AND bodies built in all corners of the world, and it rotates among different countries, F1 doesn't have that. USA/Czech/Poles/Russians/Canadians/French/Brazilians/etc. - that sport really does have it all, and would have to be considered second behind soccer simply because of a lack of third world involvement. It would be interesting to see if someone could mount a legal challenge to the term 'world champion' to see if someone could be FORCED to play a game to prove themselves - or else have to drop that term..
A *true* world championship indeed. Indeed. I would disagree with your putting it at the top, due to lack of popularity, but slot car racing has very high level participants around the world. The best from each nation have to qualify in order to represent their nation. Then they can go (often at their own expense) to the tournament in order to try and become a true world champion. As you said, Brazilians, Brits and even often Americans have won. There's even team races to determine which nation is the best overall. Same with radio controls cars - I qualified for the European championships many years back, but unfortunately didn't have the money to go to the worlds as they were in Brazil that year. Soccer, and many other internationally recognized sports take it to another level altogether however - As I said, just *qualifying* is a major accomplishment - Getting out of the first round is huge, and winning is something most will never know. Far, far beyond a national championship in a sport no one else cares about. Cheers, Ian
If F1, or kart racing, or Moto-Cross, or rallying are considered sports, then I'd say yes (?) Curling? Sports aren't necessarily athletic pursuits IMO.....
Thinking on that "argument" some more the question becomes: Are the only true WC's "athletic" endeavors? I (personally) don't think so - I happen to believe we can have a world spelling champion and indeed a world eating champion - If, and only if the sport or endeavor has the requisite national authorities and thence an agreed upon international federation that sets the rules and parameters for international competition.... Is there an "international eating federation"? Bottom line - IMHO, WC's are not necessarily athletic pursuits. Cheers, Ian
Whoa now... By that logic we need to basically enlist the United Nations to step on in and decree a set of rules delineating XYZ to sport Q.....Can reasonable lines be drawn?
Nope - Please see the "WC sports" thread for my "feelings" on this - Not the UN, but an international governing body in each sport or endeavor. Cheers, Ian
is there a difference between a game and a sport? My gut feeling is slot cars are like poker. More of a game than a sport. U can't put slot cars and, even Karting, in the same shoe.
Must something have to be 'athletic' to be called a 'sport'? I don't disagree, really, but if you want to open up that can of worms, is sitting in a car and driving around a track a game or an athletic sport? I mean, I can sit at my computer and plug in a steering wheel and pedals and 'drive'. I can sit at my computer and play Poker with anyone in the world. How do we define 'an athletic event' ?
That is over simplifying the role. Anyone can sit in a car and drive around a track BUT anyone cannot race wheel to wheel for an hour at up to 5 G's in the turns and under braking. There is an obvious difference. I have been thinking about this game/sport thing. Even about the word athlete. Everyone would agree that golf is a sport but you absoutely DO NOT need to be a good athlete to play well. You really don't even have to be in that good of shape really. On the other hand there is no way you could entertain the thought of being even the worst player in the NBA without being a true athlete and being in tip top shape. I dunno
