James Brendan Connolly wasn't a sore loser. In fact, completely the opposite. He was a winner on one of the world's greatest stages.
In the first modern Olympic games in 1896, Connolly won gold for the United States in the triple jump. He had become the first medal winner of the modern Olympic games in Athens. He later took second place in the high jump and third place in the long jump.
With all the Olympic success Connolly had, it seems rather odd that he would write a book about being a poor loser. But as long as there's been competition, there's been a problem with our perception of losing. Back in 1908 Connolly wrote The English as Poor Losers. His main idea was that a pompous attitude has no place in athletics. If you think that your race, intelligence, or social status makes you superior to other people, then your arrogance will make you a poor loser.
To a poor loser, congratulating the other team is out of the question. You've got excuses a mile-long why you didn't win-all because you're too full of pride to graciously accept the fact that another athlete is better than you are that day.
There's another book that talks about this issue. It's the Bible-specifically Philippians 2:3. Humility should mark our lives. Not only will this make us gracious losers in those few occasions when we don't win, but this inspired knowledge from the Bible will make us modest, respectful champions in the game of life.
Check out Philippians 2:3-18
http://www.christianitytoday.com/sports ... ional.html
In the first modern Olympic games in 1896, Connolly won gold for the United States in the triple jump. He had become the first medal winner of the modern Olympic games in Athens. He later took second place in the high jump and third place in the long jump.
With all the Olympic success Connolly had, it seems rather odd that he would write a book about being a poor loser. But as long as there's been competition, there's been a problem with our perception of losing. Back in 1908 Connolly wrote The English as Poor Losers. His main idea was that a pompous attitude has no place in athletics. If you think that your race, intelligence, or social status makes you superior to other people, then your arrogance will make you a poor loser.
To a poor loser, congratulating the other team is out of the question. You've got excuses a mile-long why you didn't win-all because you're too full of pride to graciously accept the fact that another athlete is better than you are that day.
There's another book that talks about this issue. It's the Bible-specifically Philippians 2:3. Humility should mark our lives. Not only will this make us gracious losers in those few occasions when we don't win, but this inspired knowledge from the Bible will make us modest, respectful champions in the game of life.
Check out Philippians 2:3-18
http://www.christianitytoday.com/sports ... ional.html