Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowperson
I'm pretty sure it was the Canadian Curling Association, upon the initial introduction of the sport to the Olympics at, I think, Nagano in 1998, that handed down the controversial mantra that it's champions would have to trim their body profiles or they wouldn't be allowed to go lest they leave a negative image of the sport.
Randy Ferbey of Alberta was quite a porker at the time.
It's only more recently that the image of trimmer curling champions has become more common. But, I think it's amply demonstrated, as with golf, that you don't NEED to be fit to be the champion.
Cowperson
|
I don't think it has been amply demonstrated at all. I'd argue that John Daly is success is almost purely based on talent, strength and power. It is the lack of fitness that prevented him from winning consistently, and led to numerous injuries,etc.
Mastering the physical elements of golf probably requires more practice and training than any other sport I can think of. Flexibility, strength and muscle endurance are tremendously important in becoming a high level player. The fact that mental toughness and natural ability play a role in sorting out the winners and losers does not make it any less of a sport.