Some would say so. Others might not. So let’s take a look.
Most people would label an artist as someone who has creative talent, say, in painting, acting, and writing. All of those people have what I call ‘creative genius.’ I think the very best athletes are the same.
Athletes perform just the way other artists do. Coaches help bring out athletes’ best, but coaches can only contribute so much.
In the end, it’s how an athlete thinks about his or her sport–the mental state, I call it.
Like an actor/actress, an athlete performs on a stage (field or court) in front of spectators. And just like any other artist, an athlete brings out our emotions. We feel for what they do. It speaks to us as fans–just as a novel writer speaks to those who read her/his books.
Yes, athletes are artists. We value their creative genius because they do things we can’t, but dream of being able to do. They perform. We marvel over what they do. It’s what we see. But there’s so much more!
Just like that novel writer, it’s what we don’t see that makes the difference. It’s the hours–then months and years–that go into perfecting their performance.
