World cultures typically have a few staples that define their culture. These things are primarily religion, geographical location, economics, music and/or athletics. Since some form of athletics happens in every culture the question of how to be a great athlete is frequently challenged.

Children and their parents are becoming more and more eager to specialize in a single sport in order to increase their chances at succeeding at a collegiate or professional level. I believe that specializing in a single sport at such a young age can actually decrease performance in the sport overtime both mentally and physically while increasing the chance for adverse lifelong affects.

The definition of an athlete is “a person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that require physical skill and strength”. My focus is on the words “sports, games, or exercises” not because of their meaning, but the plurality in the meaning.

Children should be playing multiple sports instead of getting Tommy John surgery from throwing thousands of baseball pitches before they hit high school. Focusing on one sport for too long at such a young age while the body is still maturating can create unwanted wear and tear on the joints, ligaments, and even bones.

Playing multiple sports also keeps the mind fresh. Burn outs are a real thing and taking your top tier midfielder to soccer tournaments ever weekend for 6 months of the year for multiple years will take its toll overtime.

Ashton Eaton, the world record holder in the decathlon and did not compete in his first decathlon until he was 19. He spent the majority of his life doing other sports including becoming a black belt in taekwondo. I have no doubt that this had a large contribution to his current athletic success.

Keep it fresh and keep it simple. You will have plenty of time to #TrainBIG in a sport when you hit college. Until then try everything and don’t be afraid to fail. You could find a hidden talent!
Schaudt is out!