The 10 Characteristics of a Champion

Champions don't get to be who they are by accident; there is much hard work and dedication involved. It matters not whether it's a team sport or an individual one, they all have similar pedigrees and common characteristics. Not all who possess said traits are guaranteed to be champions, but then again there has never been a champion who didn't have them either.

  1. Confidence

    • A true mark of a champion is someone who believes that she always has a chance, regardless of the opponent or situation. She enters a match, game or contest not hoping she will win, but knowing she will win.

    Short Memory

    • It has often been said that the best trait a quarterback can have is a short memory. For instance, if he throws an interception, it can mentally rattle him to the point where the rest of his performance can be adversely affected. No matter the sport, a champion doesn't dwell on past mistakes; each play is a fresh start.

    Competitiveness

    • Champions are extremely competitive types who refuse to be defined by statistics, as they'd rather measure themselves against their competition. They thrive on testing themselves and going to extremes just to see if they can.

    Striving

    • Once you're satisfied, you run the risk of losing your competitive edge. A champion still has the hunger of someone who has never won it all, even if he has indeed garnered a few titles or medals.

    Selflessness

    • Contracts, statistics and other individual accomplishments take a backseat to winning with champions. Ask any baseball player if he'd rather have an MVP year or a World Series ring, and he'll always pick the latter.

    Listening

    • It's important to realize that no matter how good you are, you never know it all. A champion doesn't consider himself above the coach and will listen to advice from all sorts of sources if it can be parlayed into winning.

    Composure

    • The mental aspect of sport is a significant one. One of the more common examples is when a team is playing in on the road in a hostile environment, and they've just lost the momentum. The mark of a champion is the ability to stick to the game plan and stay calm.

    Unassuming

    • It's vital that one not take her opponents lightly. Chances are, you've heard of the dubious "trap game" mentioned in sports, which is when a player looks over a lesser opponent as she anticipates a bigger game down the road. A champion will bring her best effort regardless of the competition.

    Opponent Knowledge

    • A champion knows the importance of studying his competition in order to give him an edge. The more he knows the opponent's tendencies, the better his chances of victory.

    Killer Instinct

    • Harsh words, perhaps, but a champion doesn't let up on her opponents once she develops a favorable lead. It's not over until it's over, and a team or player can always come back, which is why it's essential that you don't let the competitor back into the game.