“Competition brings out the best in us.”  I have heard this very statement from many people throughout my life.  Yet, I have also been told quite the opposite.  While most people would tend to agree that competition is mostly a good thing, there are those that can only see the down side to competitive sports.  This pessimistic view competition is shortsighted, and, in my opinion, simply wrong.

Competition brings out many different feelings and reactions from people.  For example, one might get frusterated, sad, and happy all in one basketball game.  For some, this is not a good thing.  Certain parents fear that their kids will become to caught up in the spirit of competition that they will do something out of character.  I cannot argue that athletes do and, ultimately, will, at times, do something in the heat of the moment in a competitive setting that they will eventually regret, but this doesn’t mean one should never compete.  In fact, many of these tough predicaments, when athletes lash out and do something dumb, can be used as teaching moments.  At one time or another, everyone will become angry or sad, and they will have to cope with their feelings.  Competition in sports can help train people for these situations, and that should not be taken lightly.

Another reason why certain people shy away from competitive sports is that they think that competition will lead to tension among competitors.  Of course, this can be true, but is this such a bad thing? While one should always try his or her best to get along with people, it is nearly impossible to have perfect relationships with everyone, and while this is not necessarily okay, it is true.  Another point I would like to make is that competitors do not always become enemies.  In fact, a lot of the greatest sport’s rivalries consist of two athletes that are great friends.  I know that most of my good friends are people that I have competed against at one time or another.  So to say that competition only leads to strained relationships among competitors is false.

Overall, the benefits of competition outweigh the negatives.  Competitive sports can teach people many life lessons, and, most importantly, they are fun.  Often times, people can get so caught up in the competitive nature of sports that they forget the reason they are out their playing: to enjoy themselves.  I truly believe that competition can bring out the best in someone, and, therefore, competition is a necessity in everyone’s life.  Of course, not everyone loves to play sports, and that is perfectly fine, but it is important to remember that sports are not the only way one can compete.  Competition can be seen in the class-room, in the theatre, and in one’s job.  In each of these areas, competition drives people to accomplish what once seemed impossible, and that is why preventing one from competition can only hurt.

Ultimately, increased competition leads to improvement.  When more competition arises in a certain sport, the quality of players increases because harder work is required to have success.  So, in conclusion, I would like to remind each and every one of you that competition should not be avoided.  Rather, it should be embraced and accepted for what it is: a means of improvement.