Are Athletes Heroes? Essay Example

Today, modern sports exemplars are often perceived as heroic in this sports-crazed society, where they are emulated and admired for their courageous and bravery values. Youth especially tend to be obsessed with celebrated athletes and regard them as their role models. However, with stories of problems ranging from drug cheating and murder, it is dubious whether they can be viewed as heroes. Therefore, some people believe that modern athletes should not be the paragon that we should be emulating. This creates a controversial discourse as to whether great athletes should be notable role models for us. It should be noted, however, that we all make mistakes, and we cannot expect elite athletes to always be behaviorally correct because they are not perfect. Nevertheless, they are still prominent in improving the communities and upholding the traditional and national values even though there have been numerous tales where they have acted inappropriately.  

Whilst there are numerous reasons to view elite athletes as heroes, the most pertinent is that they help to improve the communities. This is because they can address issues by rendering their help to the societies through their commitment, and at the same time develop a stronger social bonds. For example, popular athletes have created scholarships or donated sports equipment and even helped the Boys’ and Girls’ Club in the neighborhood where they grew up, providing an example for the next generation of athletes and fostering a sense of community (Steinberg, 2013). This shows how modern exemplars can provide excellent role models for the youth and the public, by addressing issues of community improvement and problem-solving. 

Furthermore, athletes can set a positive example of traditional and national values. This is why many people see them as role models since they exhibit excellent sporting manners, fearlessness, and dedication, all of which are highly respected in society. For instance, elite athletes are portrayed as having national qualities, traditions, and distinctions in the media. In addition, television programs such as Sports Personality of the Year, the National Portrait Gallery Sporting Heroes Exhibition, and the Queen’s Honours gifted to celebrated sportsmen shows that sporting skills are highly respected (Lined, G, 2001). Therefore, this demonstrates that excellent players are often hailed as heroes because of their lingering values that are greatly admired. 

It is often argued that excellent players should not serve as role models because there have been many stories of their inappropriate behavior. Youth especially are highly obsessed with them and want to emulate them. For instance, a gymgoer would idolize professional bodybuilders, who want to look like them so badly that they use steroids to achieve their goal. Therefore, this can lead to unhealthy obsessions, which can engender people to totally disregard their health, hence being poor role models. While there are those who behave poorly, many of them are regularly tested for drugs. Many a time, their results are achieved on their own merits, and they remain eminent role models.  Moreover, their hard work and success have given many individuals who look to them for inspiration and excellence. This is because athletes are people who chase their dreams, and their stories give hope to many. “My example can be an inspiration to those who, like me, have experienced and struggled with a physical problem,” writes Pistorius in his autobiography, Blade Runner. He was a role model for all humanity (Kuper, S, 2013). This shows that excellent athletes serve as significant role models in their communities to help people overcome their challenges. Thus, the overall impact athletes have as role models far outweigh the negatives, and they remain vital role models.

In conclusion, an excellent sportsperson remains an invaluable role model for the youth and society alike. They not only ameliorate society issues but also perpetuate lingering values. The problem arises through the athlete’s poor behavior; however, we cannot always assume that they will be always acting appropriately. Nevertheless, with a heart willing to learn from their mistakes and grow from them, they will still serve as a model of someone who is responsible and wishes to serve society.