Last The Wannabe Athlete
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A STAR TO PLAY THE GAME By Karla F. Jones
In a speech I once delivered for Toastmasters International titled "Te Wannabe Athlete," I provided insight into various aspects of my life that led to my career, including that I used to say I would be the first female within the NBA. Unfortunately, I am average at all sports. While playing youth softball, someone asked if I was "running in slow motion." It was not funny at the time, but I get a good laugh out of it now. Tat was the day I realized I might need to investigate being on the business side of sports instead. I come from a family of elite basketball, volleyball, softball, and track and field athletes. Growing up, at family gatherings we used to play volleyball, badminton, kickball, basketball and softball. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized the lifelong benefits of those activities. Here is what I found to be true: your athletic ability is based
on your muscle fibers. You are born with a certain number of fast-twitch muscle fibers and slow-twitch muscle fibers. Some of us have more fast-twitch than others and vice versa. Fast-twitch muscle fibers fatigue faster and are used in
powerful bursts, weightlifting and sprinting. Slow-twitch muscle fibers help enable long-endurance feats such as distance running. Tese fibers are activated during aerobic exercises such as running or swimming. I was born with more slow- twitch fibers than fast-twitch, which is why I was a success at triathlons, swimming, biking and slow-paced running. Another factor that may affect an individual’s ability
to excel at sports is coordination. It includes elements that I have excelled in—balance, timing and rhythm. Terefore, my athletic ability is good when it comes to bowling, softball (although it is perceived I am “running in slow motion”), basketball and golf. I have also realized that I have a little Serena Williams in me.
48 MAGAZINE
My fellow wannabe athletes: keep trying no matter what. In addition to the joy you will receive, there are numerous health benefits. You can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol levels, decrease chances of Type 2 diabetes, develop stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis. Here are a few simple steps to becoming an athlete:
Find a sport or activity that interests you, become a student of the game, join a league or team, try something new or different and do not allow yourself to get bored. Lastly, learn your strengths and weaknesses, continue to exercise and eat healthier. Remember that you can become the “wannabe athlete” I know you can be.
Karla F. Jones is program coordinator and assistant professor of sport management in the Kinesiology Department, Blair College of Health.
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