Competing With Class Achieve3000 Answers

In the realm of competitive sports, the drive to win can often overshadow the principles of fair play and respect. The article “Competing With Class” delves into this very aspect, highlighting instances where athletes chose honor over victory.

Through various examples, the article underscores the true essence of sportsmanship, emphasizing that the spirit of the game is not just about clinching titles but also about playing with integrity, respect, and empathy.

Whether it’s a grand stage like the Olympics or a local sports event, the values of sportsmanship remain universal. The real triumph lies not in the scoreline but in the heart of the game, where athletes compete with class and dignity.

Competing With Class Article Answers

Question	Answer
Which of the following sentences expresses the main idea of the article?	A healthy engagement in sports is more about playing honorably than it is about winning.
Which is the closest synonym for the word precarious, as it is used in the article?	hazardous
Which event in the article took place third?	Biles gave pep talks and advice to her team.
According to the Article, why did softball player Mallory Holtman help carry Sara Tucholsky around the bases?	There were no rules limiting the opposing team from helping Tucholsky run home.
Based on the article, the reader can infer that ___________.	success as an athlete extends to having positive interactions with anyone involved in the sport.
Based on information in the article, which of these is an accurate comparison between the responses to the actions of gymnast Simone Biles and those of football player Mario Hoefer?	People judged Biles for letting her team down, while people congratulated Hoefer for helping someone on the opposing team.
Why did the author include this information?	To demonstrate that this article’s position is based in science rather than opinion.
Which phrase from the passage helps you understand the meaning of the word empathy?	knew how much pain his opponent was in

Key Events and Examples

1. Simone Biles’ Supportive Stance: In a surprising turn of events, renowned gymnast Simone Biles withdrew from certain events in the Tokyo Olympics, citing mental health concerns. While some criticized her decision, viewing it as letting her team down, Biles’ actions highlighted the importance of mental well-being in sports. Despite her withdrawal, she remained a pillar of support for her team, offering pep talks and advice, exemplifying that being a team player isn’t just about participating but also about uplifting and supporting teammates.
2. Mallory Holtman’s Unforgettable Gesture: In a college softball game, Sara Tucholsky of Western Oregon University hit her first-ever home run. However, in her excitement, she missed first base and injured herself while returning to tag it. With rules preventing her teammates from assisting her, it seemed Tucholsky’s home run would be discounted. In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Mallory Holtman of the opposing team, Central Washington University, along with a teammate, carried Tucholsky around the bases, ensuring her home run counted. This act transcended team rivalries, emphasizing humanity and respect in sports.
3. Mario Hoefer’s Empathy in Action: In a football match, when Mario Hoefer realized his opponent was in severe pain, he didn’t just stand by. Demonstrating immense empathy, Hoefer carried his injured opponent across the field to get medical attention. This act was a testament to the fact that even in the heat of competition, athletes can and should look out for each other, prioritizing well-being over winning.

Public Reactions

1. Mixed Responses to Simone Biles’ Decision: Simone Biles’ withdrawal from certain events at the Tokyo Olympics sparked a wide range of reactions from the public, media, and fellow athletes. While many lauded her for prioritizing her mental health and setting a precedent for athletes worldwide, others criticized her, believing she let her team down at a crucial juncture. This divide in opinion brought to the forefront the ongoing debate about the pressures athletes face and the expectations placed on them. Biles’ decision underscored the need for a broader understanding and acceptance of mental health issues in sports.
2. Universal Praise for Mario Hoefer: In contrast to the mixed reactions Biles received, football player Mario Hoefer’s act of carrying an injured opponent off the field was met with almost universal praise. His gesture was celebrated as the epitome of sportsmanship, transcending team rivalries and competitive spirit. Hoefer’s actions served as a reminder that at its core, sports is about respect, camaraderie, and the shared love for the game. His empathy resonated with many, reinforcing the belief that kindness and humanity should always take precedence, even in the heat of competition.

Broader Implications

1. Long-term Impact on Athletes’ Careers: Sportsmanship doesn’t just affect the outcome of a single game or match; it has lasting implications on an athlete’s entire career. Athletes known for their integrity and honorable play are often more respected by teammates, coaches, and even sponsors. This reputation can lead to leadership roles within teams, longer careers, and post-retirement opportunities such as coaching, mentoring, or sports commentary. Moreover, athletes who practice good sportsmanship are less likely to engage in behaviors that could lead to suspensions or bans, ensuring a smoother and more consistent career trajectory.
2. Personal Development Through Sportsmanship: Beyond the field, court, or track, the values learned through sportsmanship play a crucial role in personal development. Athletes learn the importance of respect, humility, perseverance, and teamwork. These values are transferable to many aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. For instance, an athlete who learns to handle defeat gracefully in sports is better equipped to handle setbacks in other areas of life. Similarly, an athlete who understands the value of teamwork in sports can effectively collaborate in professional settings.
3. Sports as a Medium for Teaching Life Values: Sports are often considered a microcosm of society, reflecting its values, challenges, and triumphs. As such, they provide a unique platform for teaching life values. Through sports, young individuals learn about dedication, hard work, fairness, and resilience. They understand the significance of commitment, both to oneself and to a team. Moreover, sports teach individuals to navigate challenges, whether it’s a tough opponent, an injury, or a personal setback. These lessons, learned on the playing field, prepare individuals for the broader challenges of life.

Vocabulary

1. Precarious (Hazardous): Refers to something that is not securely held or in position, and is likely to fall or collapse. In the context of the article, it can also mean something that is dependent on certain conditions or circumstances and is potentially at risk. For example, a precarious situation in sports might refer to a critical moment in a game where any mistake could lead to a loss.
2. Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It’s more than just sympathy, which is feeling compassion for someone; empathy is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and feeling what they feel. In sports, empathy can be seen when players recognize the struggles, pains, or challenges faced by their teammates or even their opponents.
3. Sportsmanship: The fair and generous behavior or treatment of others, especially in a sports contest. It’s not just about playing by the rules but playing with integrity, respect for opponents, and grace in winning or losing.
4. Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In sports, this means playing fairly, not cheating, and being truthful in one’s actions and decisions.
5. Gesture: A movement of part of the body, especially the hands or head, to express an idea or meaning. In the context of the article, gestures in sports can be acts of kindness, respect, or sportsmanship, such as helping an injured opponent.
6. Reputation: The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something. Athletes can have a reputation for their skills, but also for their behavior and sportsmanship on and off the field.

Resources

• Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) Website (http://www.positivecoach.org): A national non-profit developing “Better Athletes, Better People” by working to provide all youth and high school athletes a positive, character-building youth sports experience.
• National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) (http://www.shapeamerica.org): Offers resources on sportsmanship, coaching, and physical education.