Sportsmanship: How NOT to be a sore loser
Nobody likes losing.
However, if you’re an athlete, the chances are, you hate it more than most.
Competition is a healthy part of sport. Nevertheless, competition also invites the concept of winners and losers.
We would all love to be the winner all the time. But even the GOATs of our world never win/won all the time. At some point or another, we all experience loss (this applies to life in general, but I’m speaking specifically about sport in this post).
Losing is (unfortunately but beneficially) part of the game.
I say unfortunately because it doesn’t feel nice. I say beneficially because losing can truly teach us something, and make us better and stronger — if we’ll let it. Losing is often the motivation and catalyst for some of the greatest athletes, performances, and inventions of our world.
But what are some ways we can channel the pain of loss so that it makes us better and not bitter? Here are 3:
1. Give Thanks In All Circumstances
This is more than simply seeing the positive in your situation (which I’ve spoken about here). Giving thanks in all circumstances goes a step further and encourages you to acknowledge God.
Now, you may not be a Christian reading this post, but I encourage you to believe that gratitude is the attitude that breeds latitude (freedom of thought or action). Giving thanks helps you see beyond yourself. It’s humbling as you identify the fact that there is indeed One greater than you, and opens you up to be able to hear from Him and actually align with and step into His plan for your life.
Complaining keeps you small and limited. Gratitude opens you up to the unlimited power of a BIG God.
You’re not just giving thanks to an unknown entity “somewhere out there”. But a living and loving God who has good plans for you and wants to be involved in the intricacies of your life. Giving thanks is part of that plan.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV)
2. Congratulate Don’t Hate
With gratitude as your foundation, let’s now turn to your competitors.
When you lose (because it’s likely to happen at least once in your life), choose to congratulate your opponent and not hate on them.
Nobody is saying that you have to be happy about losing, but when it’s not your time, don’t be a hater and shake your opponent’s hand. Tell them well done. Respect their game... The reality is, they beat you this time. That doesn’t make them better or more valuable than you as a person, their performance was just better that day.
Losing should not be and does not need to be a personal rift between you and your competitor. Leave it on the track (or wherever you compete). Yes, we all love our sport. We all train hard and want to win, but don’t allow losing to become personal.
It can be hard to do this but that’s why we started this post with gratitude. God can help you to sincerely rejoice with others (even in a weeping season for you). Because that’s the thing… there are times and seasons. You may be at the bottom right now, but things change quickly in sport. Choose to change the game (even now) by treating others the way you’ll want to be treated when you’re on top.
“Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:5, NLT)
3. Mind Your Own Business
My last tip for this post is simply to mind your own business. I.e., stay in your own lane.
Evaluate your performance and then get back to work.
Trash-talking or stalking your opponent’s every move is just a distraction. Just focus on yourself. Unless your opponent is your bestie in real life, you don’t need to know what they’re doing every day. You don’t need to communicate with them outside of competitions.
If their posts on social media bring up negative feelings in you, STOP following them, it’s not a crime. Keep your heart free from jealousy or envy, that way you’ll actually be able to sincerely smile, shake their hand, congratulate (or even receive their compliments when the time comes). But if you’ve spent your time trash-talking, consuming feud fuelling content, and thinking negatively about them, chances are you’ll be a sore loser (or even winner) who takes it personally when you next clash in competition.
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. (1 Thessalonians 4:11, NLT)
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Blessings
Torema xXx
(01.09.21)
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About The Author: Torema Thompson is an England international sprinter, published author, qualified level 3 personal trainer, and licensed UKA speed athletics coach. Through her personal platform, she creatively shares her journey on track, whilst simultaneously encouraging others in their athletics & fitness.