>>What do individuals think an elite athlete contributes to other people in society? What value does the elite athlete provide others? This is not a put down of elite athletes, as in my view there is tremendous value elite athletes contribute to others. My curiosity is in the thoughts of the “Let’s Run” individuals that make up this community.<<
I agree with PALN. Why are these people not getting the fact that elites, do their sport because, love of the sport, haven't any other skills, see monetary or educational opportunity or are hyper competitive, amongst other reasons.
No elite athlete wrists 1000 pucks a week, drives a 1000 balls a day, runs 100 miles a week or forehand volleys until carpal tunnel syndrome is on the horizon, to effect human change.
Now after monumental success creates fame and along with it responsibility to behave - because the media is irresponsible themselves - THEN the elite may serve a value to society, if he/she wants to.
Which doesn't take away from the fact that many American Football and basketball players cannot speak well enough in their native, bastardized version of English, to be understood outside of their family.
The mumbo can get so jumbled, that I swear the English speaking athlete's ENGLISH is poorer than those who speak it as a second language: Syntax for dummasses. Oh but then you need the will to read a tomb as such...
Or their public behavior reported by the media, includes but not limited to rape, murder, extortion, drug addiction, sodomy, organized crime, violence...on and on...
I take inspiration from the likes of humble and classy personalities, Steve Nash, Wayne Gretzky or say Pele.
Or the actual honest competitor John McEnroe.