Matt and I are always in awe of how wrapped up fans can get in sports. We just cannot grasp the rioting and fights that break out. I understand emotional investment in sport because I have been having annual heart attacks watching the San Antonio Spurs since 1999. I’m sure I watched some Spurs games in 1987, but I was not yet capable of being a fan of anything, aside from milk. One thing I respect most about swimming is there is very little dependence on equipment outside of your own body. My body is my vehicle. This is not to say it doesn’t take a true athlete to cycle in the Tour de France. There’s just such a risk when you’re relying on something other than your own limbs to transport you. That’s all I could think about watching the Belmont Stakes today. It was a sold-out crowd. Most of whom were backing California Chrome to take home the elusive Triple Crown.
Horses are such specimens of power. I do not think coverage of the race takes anything away from the horse’s athleticism. But when they interview the jockey afterward, I am always dying to hear what the horse has to say. “Well, you guys couldn’t hear over the thunder of our hooves shaking the earth, but Matterhorn was talking mad trash on that final turn.”
The gamble of horse racing is alluring. So risky. Rooting for animals who do not realize people are capable of making a fortune off of them. My nerves during the race today were proof of my inner control freak. No matter how fond of a race horse I could be, to not know if they’re going to reach a new gear when you need them to would be too much dependence for me. Big-boned and 6’1, I do not think I ever have to fear being an especially gifted jockey and having to rely entirely on my horse.
When California Chrome did not bring home the Triple Crown, the crowd was overwhelmingly sullen. Tonalist won, and the jockey seemed entirely too affected by the crowd’s reaction. I hate to see a triumphant moment stolen from the victor like that. If I were there I would have given Tonalist a belly rub and his jockey a congratulatory hug. As a swimmer, I let the context of races get in the way sometimes. I remember someone (in jest) saying “Go everyone but Annie!” right as I stepped onto the blocks. I ended up winning the race, but I felt so defeated by the flippant remark. If you know people do not want you to win, it ultimately strips you of the joy you’re meant to experience from a victory. I hate that that happens, and I hope Joel Rosario (Tonalist’s jockey) was able to feel pride for his horse and himself after that race. No win should ever come with guilt. Unless you cheat. Then I hope you feel terrible and quit the sport.
