If you're here in Just About Sport, we're guessing there's a specific sport that inspires and excites you more than any other. This bounty is simple: what is it, and what makes it so special? Pitch it to us! Tell us why you love it, and convert a few new fans!
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I'm going pretty run of the mill for this one with football and for what it's worth, I don't think the sport is great, at least any more, but the experiences it gave me over the years have been unmatched.
Growing up with 3 sisters in the late 80s/90s I came to football maybe a little later than other boys my age but with my dad being a big Arsenal fan I don't think he was disappointed when I asked if we could actually go to a game.
The first game I went to was in 1996, I was 11, I think I got it for passing my 11+ exam, but it was Arsenal vs Leicester. The buzz around the ground was amazing and I can still smell the fried onions from the burger van to this day. The game itself wasn't a classic, Arsenal won 2-0 courtesy of goals from David Platt and Tony Adams and both assisted by the absolute, uncontested (for me at least) Dennis Bergkamp. I remember Arsenal scoring, I remember my dad and I jumping up and down and then someone holding up some car keys, to which my dad and I laughed at the thought someone had lost their keys, my dad quickly patted himself down and realised they were in fact his keys.
That game was the catalyst not just for me and my dad spending more time together but my younger sister got in on it too. Back in the days of the family enclosure at Highbury where it would cost £3.50 - £7 for us to get a sit literally pitch side (see the photo for proof!). Highbury may have had the nickname of the library but going to those matches, singing all the songs, telling everyone what we think of Tottenham, the highs, the lows, it was my first introduction to a community. And I took to it in a big way. It consumed me.
As the years went by and the prices increased we got priced out of going to matches often but I still hold a box file full of all the matchday programmes, tickets and other bits we picked up. I even have my Dennis Bergkamp Testimonial souvenir shirt from the first game ever played at the Emirates Stadium. I raced back from Newquay a day early on a National Express coach to make it back for that game, I could not and would not miss the game celebrating my football hero.
So football for me was/can be great (if they get a handle on the ludicrous amounts of money being thrown around), for the sense of community it can instil and the memories it creates. I got to witness players like Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry, Ian Wright, Cesc Fabregas etc. first hand and when they were on form it was incredible.
For the past decade, I’ve rediscovered cycling and have explored various forms, including mountain biking (MTB), road cycling, and urban commuting. This sport has significantly hanged my life, and there are numerous reasons why I love to ride, here is just some of them:
1. Improved Physical Endurance and Health: Cycling is a fantastic form of light athletics and provides a substantial cardio workout. It ranks among the top three activities for calorie burning, alongside swimming and wrestling. This means I can enjoy my favorite treats without worrying about gaining extra weight. More seriously, studies have shown that regular cardio exercise, like cycling, can reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Mental Energization and Fun: There’s a unique joy in cycling. While you might see unhappy or crying people in cars or public transport, it’s rare to find a cyclist who isn’t enjoying their ride with a smile. I always arrive at work in a great mood, full of energy, even after burning 1300 calories. It leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to take on any challenge.
Fulfillment for Shopaholics: Cycling is a hobby with limitless potential for upgrades and customization. You can start with a basic, used bike from eBay for 100 EUR, invest in parts and upgrades, or splurge on a 5000 EUR bike and a bunch of spandex jerseys. Personally, I own 3-5 bikes at any given time, each suited for different tasks and weather conditions.
Environmental Impact: While I'm not sure if I'm saving the planet, I do cover an average of 6000km annually on my bike. If I were to travel this distance by car, it would result in a significant amount of CO2 emissions.
Socialization: One of the best aspects of cycling is the opportunity for socialization. It's a reason to go out, meet new people, and be part of a community. Through cycling clubs, races, and training, I've built a network that extends beyond just cycling. These shared experiences create a unique bond and trust, which have proved invaluable in business and in navigating life's challenges.
In special Boulder, in Frankfurt directly on the river side close to the EZB is the Schaumainkai. There are multiple routes starting from 6. It is actually a wall out of stones which keeps the river in place.
The alternative is climbing with a friend and a rope. The nature is free of charge and the Halls cost you like 10 Bucks and you can train as long you have power. We have regular boulder event at the Fanfest of EVE.
Did you ever run down 30 Meters on a Building?
When they start counting down, as a climber you just jump :P
You can climb so you can cut down a tree.
Paintball
Expensive, but if you go the proffesional way is lot of fun and pain.
We woke up at 5 o´clock in the morning and drove the the field.
Either we had training or tournment until 15-16 o´clock.
Rest of the day was couch day.
Pics say more than 1000 Words.
It should be a so called "superman" move but what you see is a fullstop dive.
Look at my Hawaiin Unicorns.
MTB (Downhill)
Some of my friends riding DH since their childhood. And Bikes have the Rule N+1 which gave me the opportuniy to try it myself before buying one. I soulbonded forever.
I like technical trails but also fond a home in the jumpy ones.
Speed brings stability which makes obstacle much more easier.
And no worrys even if you have no real mountains like the Netherlands this doesn´t prevent them to have Bike Parks aswell.
Also your body can mostly repair itself but your bycicle can´t.
Which means if you crash, protect the bike like your baby :P
Worst Injury so far was bruise in the shoulder which took ~6 Month to heal.
How did i got it? Didn´t flat the pedals and stomp wanted a meet and greed.
But the bike was safe!
Do i have it on camera? Yes
