CHAMPION:

a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions so as to hold first place.

(Dictionary.com)

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It seemed only appropriate to explore the word champion on the heels of the New York City Marathon and the 2009 World Series. Both have taken up a good deal of space in the news this week, a welcome respite from some of the gloomier news.

I chose to pursue this word because it, like the word hero, is so easily adopted in a casual way when the euphoria of an experience or an event takes place. The word champion is not intended, however, to be used frivolously. It doesn't mean something like "someone who takes part in an event and does a good job." As commendable as that may be, it is quite different from the meaning of champion.

There aren't many champions in life. They are memorable and usually find their way into books, museums, or other places where unique persons are identified. A week or so ago an article in The New York Times indicated that there are some, for instance, who deplore the presence in the New York Marathon of people who take six or seven hours (or more) to complete the race, sometimes walking most of the way. The person making the comment indicated that there are many who work hard, training for years, to compete for the prize in a marathon. Others "simply" participate to be able to say that they have completed the marathon. Time is not of significance to them. It is about gaining a credential. The commentator said this wasn't fair to him or the other athletes.

I'm ambivalent about that perspective. I understand it and agree with the person that there is something wrong with the practice. But I am also respectful of the people with a quiet story who are there for a reason, and for whom that participation in the marathon represents the surpassing of a barrier. Maybe there's a way to accommodate both perspectives.

And when it comes to the World Series, there is no question that the games leading up to the final best 4 out of 7 series are grueling and effective in sorting out the competitors. The elimination series is tough baseball. I watched my Red Sox become eliminated and knew that it was appropriate, but didn't begin to acknowledge the tough games they had won by pure grit and skill just to get to the playoffs. In spite of my allegiance to the Sox I found myself cheering for the Yankees, who were a superb team this year and deserved the title of champion. Like Smith-Barney, they achieved the victory the old fashioned way: They earned it.

The ancient act of crowning the victor in an athletic event with a crown of laurels is significant. It doesn't deny the abilities of the others who competed. But it does recognize the unique and outstanding credentials of those who surged to the lead and outlasted the others...the champion. In our society which seems so bent on "dissing" those who lose, we would do well to acknowledge that there are some who earn the laurels and others who aspire to them but fall short. It's not a negation of their attempt, but a recognition of the success of the victor.

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