Losing Over Winning?
Of the 135,000 teens and young adults who read our sports column, about 92,000 of them answered our poll this month on whether losing beats winning, and while 83% disagreed, their answers to another question make me wonder if they really do:
72% of the 17 to 25 y/o group said mom, dad or an older sibling are their idol, the person most important to them particularly after a loss, helping them put things in perspective.
In stark contrast, for those under 16 and as young as 9, 64% said a professional athlete is their idol.
We should take note that, #1, the influence of family seems to rise over time and importance of losing as a teaching moment, a life lesson, is essential and, for many of these young adults, far more important than winning. #2, take note of the influence of pro athletes amongst youth and teens - they influence kids in more ways than one, in how they play, what they wear, if they talk about their mental health and depression, how they talk about, and how they deal w/ losing….
We have started a series interviewing athletes of different ages, particularly college athletes who are in many cases confronting losing for the first time. Our series includes interviews with field hockey players, basketball and football players, and here in this short clip, a soccer player.
Note: As we roll out this series, if interested in being part of our full study and educational series in partnership with Imagine Sports - about dealing with losing and growing up a competitive athlete in America - contact me for inquires about asking questions, sponsorship/partnership.