Rodeo America 26″ (maquette)

Ever ponder the events stemming from the organic living of daily life that then became something far grander and far more reaching than anyone one could have imagined? Such is rodeo! This sporting event, attended by tens of millions annually, displays a contest of wills between men and beasts, evolved from the cattle and horse handling chores of the men who worked those animals (i.e. breaking horses to ride, roping out steers for branding, chuck wagon racing, even being an observer who watches livestock looking for desired breeding qualities).

Is it human nature for folks that have a talent for doing something to compete, to be judged, and then showered with accolades for being the best? What we call ‘sports’ seems to be a natural outlet for such behaviour, all stemming from the question: “Who’s the best?” Look at the Olympic motto: “Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together.” It says it all in four words. It’s as if the status quo is always found wanting. The Spirit within seeming to always push for more – expansion – as limits are tested and world records fall.

I find it intriguing how simple, unplanned moments can develop into something much larger and impactful than anyone could imagine. Consider the origins of our modern day marathon? An event, stemming from one man’s exploit, that over a million people are inspired to replicate annually. The marathon originates from a Greek legend. The race honors the story of Pheidippides, a Greek soldier, who in 490 B.C. allegedly ran (appx 25 miles) from the battle of Marathon to Athens to announce a victory over the Persians before collapsing and dying.

It’s been fun to identify organic events (or life skills) which have evolved into competition. How about stock car racing? This billion dollar NASCAR sport has its roots in bootleggers wanting to outrun the law. Surely the military or combat skills of archery, wrestling, judo or spear throwing are found in sports today, as well as the daily life lifting of weights, rowing boats, or swimming to the other side of the lake (how quickly the words come out of one's mouth, “Race you to the other side”).

In writing this piece description, a smile came to my face as I remembered as a youth, in Junior High, pitching pennies with classmates ~ the winner taking all.