Athletes as Role Models

True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have. Role models are those who have affected us in ways that influence us to be better people. They are people who others imitate, emulate or look to for guidance. There are good role models who inspire greatness in others and bad role models who are bad influences. There are even anti-role models, pegged by the media as "bad girls" or "bad boys" who serve as good examples of what not to do if you want to become a successful, respected person. With the majority of my time spent as an athlete throughout high school and college, I believe athletes should pose as role models.

Athletes can be good role models in terms of demonstrating how to be professional. The manner in which athletes carry themselves in conversation and interaction with others says a lot about their overall personality. I do not think that professional athletes go into their careers without first knowing that they have to present themselves as a good public image to young people and their peers alike. Though I am sure they make mistakes like anyone else, they have to be extra mindful of how their fans and communities perceive them. Making a good impression is always a great way for them to be great role models.

Being a good role model requires attention to the audience. In order to attract an audience, the athlete must pay homage to their fans by acting correctly, following the laws, being successful in the sport, and assisting others when appropriate. When an audience views these characteristics and positive actions, young people and adults are inspired to imitate these positive behaviors.

Players show their professionalism in many ways. An example of this is how professional athletes wea...

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...y as good players but good role models. Athletes are looked up to as people of good character and integrity. It’s not out of the ordinary for young people to admire athletes. I remember growing up as a kid and seeing how every kid I knew wanted to be “like Mike.” Fortunately, Michael Jordan was a good role model and still is to this day. Even if a young person does not want to become an athlete, at least they can have a positive figure to look up to, to aspire to be like in other ways other than being athletic.

In short, there are good role models in all areas of sports. From golf to soccer, to the most popular television sports, like football and basketball. Even to the less televised sports like cricket and lacrosse. Though athletes may not know that their being looked up to, they have to conduct themselves and perfect their craft in their sport as if they are.