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October 2006 Issue
In the ring
by Jennifer Shike
The year was 1971. Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden. This famous fight, known as The Fight of the century, was one of the most-anticipated boxing matches of all time, as it featured two undefeated fighters who held legitimate claims to the heavyweight title.
The fight lived up to all of the hysteria surrounding it.
After a grueling 11 rounds, Frazier knocked the great Ali with a hard left hook in the final round and won on points.
Three years later, Ali faced Frazier in a rematch and won in the 12th round on points in one of the most-impressive matches ever.
As I watched the video from this historic boxing match the other night, I was amazed by the fierceness of both competitors all the way through the final round. These two men fought so hard and for so long with one goal – to knock the other one out. And, then when the fight was over, they hugged.
In my opinion, this act of respect defines sportsmanship at its finest.
Ali and Frazier have a great understanding of sportsmanship and competition.
Some describe sportsmanship as a tradition in competition that means playing clean and handling both victory and defeat with grace, style and dignity.
Others define it as playing fair, following the rules of the game, respecting the judgment of referees and officials, and treating others with respect.
In the past few years, trash talking and cheap shots have become all too common in sports. I’m sure you have watched athletes celebrating with a prolonged victory dance or gloating about their “skills” on TV.
This overconfidence is happening all too often in the show ring, too.
It’s not unusual to see parents get up and leave a show in rage because they think that their kid should have won the class or to see a kid drop their ribbon on the ground because it’s not blue.
I can agree that it’s not fun to get beaten, but just like in sports, good sportsmanship is essential in order to make our shows fair and equal for everyone.
Whether you come in first or last, be proud of the work you put into your project and appreciate the judge’s opinion.
After Ali lost to Ken Norton in 1973, he said, “I never thought of losing, but now that it’s happened, the only thing is to do it right. That’s my obligation to all the people who believe in me. We all have to take defeats in life.”
You learn a lot from losing. And I guarantee these lessons will positively impact your future more than any win.
We all need to learn how to take life in stride a little better. Things won’t always go our way, but we can choose how we will respond when life takes a bad turn.
I like to see our exhibitors congratulating the winner in the ring. I think it’s equally impressive when parents and supporters do the same. Exhibitors, someday it might be you. Parents, someday it might be your child.
And when you do win, be gracious. Acknowledge your champion honors quietly and let your award speak for itself.
Find ways to compliment others in your class for their hard work and efforts, too. Remember, it’s just one judge’s opinion. Be thankful he liked your pig the best today – and remember it’s only an opinion when he doesn’t.
Ultimately, the show ring is one of the best teaching tools we have in the livestock industry.
The attitudes and lessons learned in the show ring will carry over into other areas of your life. If you learn how to respect and appreciate your competitors now, you will find more success in your future relationships and career.
What kind of sportsmanship do you display at the shows?
If Ali and Frazier can hug after fighting 12 rounds in the ring, surely we can all aspire to do the same in our ring.
