Ridding ourselves of that sporting mindset

The Vincentian sporting community, both active and passive, has unfortunately in the main, been locked into an acceptance that better cannot be done; therefore, we are at our optimum, so, why then try harder.{{more}}

This type of mindset is played out in the way we see sports, the way we administrate and execute the various disciplines, and the way we respond to the upward strides made by others beyond our shores.

We are so much locked in this mode of operation that we sometimes fail to capitalize on opportunities which present themselves as golden and are resigned to situations, saying what happens, happens.

Accepted is that of a good effort, rather than our best, which solidifies the reason why national teams, as well as individuals, go out already defeated, as the psyche that we are not better than what our perception tells us.

So, we celebrate a second place and hail that as one step away from the top, instead of aiming for it. It is often said that in elimination formats, second is the only position in which rewards are given for losing.

The argument is stretched, making even third seem better than second, as one has to defeat another to get that place. The moral is that one should always endeavour to aim for the top and nothing less should be heralded.

But have we, in our Vincentian upbringing, been schooled that way?

What then obtains is that contentment abounds when someone goes out and represents SVG and does his/her personal best in that individual sport.

This is a positive sign that an upward curve is shaping. But how long should we accept such achievement as top efforts?

This must be answered in tandem with whether or not the necessary training – mental, physical and tactical training – has gone into preparation, which should yield results which can place Vincentians in competitive sports on the podium?

During the recent Rio Olympics, many Vincentians were glued to their televisions and other devices, cheering on others, which consciously would have been Caribbean competitors.

But whilst many did so, they wished that SVG was part of the groupings which were getting that moral support and ultimately, among the top three finishers.

Wishful, some may say audibly, but if forever this is the thinking, then we will always have to depend on being at the Olympic Games as wild cards and not qualifiers.

However, in saying all this, should we accept that school of thought that says that winning is not everything, but it is the only thing?

Should we then train our sportsmen and women to win at all costs? Should they apply methods of cheating in any form possible to get to the top? Sports is more a science today and has moved away from sheer natural ability which persons the world over possess.

Therefore, in order to make it even at the regional level, more so the international, excellence starts right here at home, both on and off the field, the court or the ring.

However, we are defeated before we compete, as we restrict our ambitions to some of the notions and permutations that control success, inclusive of population and other factors.

Yes, SVG is small in actual land size, small in population, does not have an abundance of financial resources; in fact, we are lacking and neither do we have the infrastructure.

But, as a people, is it in our schemata that we can achieve more in sports if we will ourselves to do so?

Getting to be counted as contenders and not just participants takes more than just the skills.

Are our current and prospective national players in all sporting spheres willing to do the hard work, spend the time training, take the necessary rest and a lifestyle which promotes the body to throttle at its full capacity?

We also have not understood what is meant by national representation and should stop confusing it with frolicking, especially when it involves overseas travels.

The amenities which they either lap up or endure are secondary to going out there and being the best ambassadors of SVG and at the same time excelling in whichever field of representation.

For Vincentians to get to the top and remain there, that mindset of sports as a pastime has to change. And, change must be all-round for effective outcomes.

Policy makers must take the lead; they must make sports a national subject, as well as a social agent for change.