"Mountain Athletes" grr.

Andinista

27/04/2012 at 07:58

I notice this phrase popping up with increasing regularity.

I dunno about anyone else, but I find it a bit alienating/off-putting.

Sure, there are plenty of top climbers, mountaineers etc. who are without a doubt "elite athletes", and I guess to a degree this has always been true.

But for me, the mountains are more than a sports arena and the traditions of mountaineering, climbing, hiking, hill-walking etc are more than a sport.

Athleticism is only one element of what makes up the legendary figures of the mountains.

Hell, was Don Whillans an "elite mountain athlete" ?

/rant over.

Spiritburner

27/04/2012 at 08:11

He might have suffered from Athletes Foot on occassion.

ed h

27/04/2012 at 08:31

'Bumblies in red socks' would be more apposite for the (below) average on this forum....

Steve_D

27/04/2012 at 10:56

I may be a bumbly, but I have never - ever worn red socks!!

how very dare you incinerate that I would do such a thing.

( I have been known to wear Ron Hills though)

Steve D

Nick P 10

27/04/2012 at 11:20

Most of my childhood mountain walking with parents in Switzerland involved nice red socks

Big Kev

27/04/2012 at 12:16

Whenever my laddie comes on a walk with me, he insists on wearing red socks. I'm sure he does it just to wind me up

Trouble no one about their religion;

respect others in their view and demand that they respect yours.

~Chief Tecumseh~

Matt C

27/04/2012 at 13:12

In my youth red socks were de rigeur for mountain athletes

But the look really suffered when Rohan introduced polycotton breeches!

I do hate the way marketing b0ll0ckspeak these days targets us all as 'mountain athletes' - I'm pretty sure most of us are just going for a nice walk...

cathyjc

27/04/2012 at 13:22

There are several pairs of red walking socks languishing on top of a wardrobe in our house. Anyone want a pair? -in good condition.

'Bumbling' rules OK

Spiritburner

27/04/2012 at 13:47

Few folk look like they are only going for a bimble any more though do they? I think the gear we use & wear nowaways invites ridiculous tags like that. The gear is king. The difference it can make to our 'performance' is discussed ad nauseum (hey - excuse the latin - should have gone to uni me)

Andinista

27/04/2012 at 13:51

True Ross, true.

Big Kev

27/04/2012 at 14:14

"Mountain Activist". That's another one.

Trouble no one about their religion;

respect others in their view and demand that they respect yours.

~Chief Tecumseh~

Nick P 10

27/04/2012 at 14:21

I don't really have a problem with anyone calling me an athele! Makes me feel better when I get the harsh reality in the mirror

I have certainly been called much worse!

Metric Kate

27/04/2012 at 14:22

Rosswm wrote (see)

... is discussed ad nauseum (hey - excuse the latin - should have gone to uni me)

Indeed. Ad nauseam

;-)

Spiritburner

27/04/2012 at 14:56

pah - pesky Romans. I wouldn't have got in with my cse's.

I had money on being corrected but wasn't sure who'd do it!

Edited: 27/04/2012 at 14:58

ed h

27/04/2012 at 15:25

Well let's face it she has enough time on her hands....

Even God's of Rock make some fashion mistakes...

http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/ac90/edh247/c568e83d4bf43d49eacbb30d4fa1d9b5.jpg

But Ron Hills? Good grief....there can be no excuse

Edited: 27/04/2012 at 15:35

Nick P 10

27/04/2012 at 15:27

Where did you get that picture of me!?

ed h

27/04/2012 at 15:35

Nick P 10

27/04/2012 at 15:45

Edit: Liked the previous picture better... but this one is probably more accurate!

Edited: 27/04/2012 at 16:04

Explorer

27/04/2012 at 15:59

Companies like Sportspursuit can't help the "mountain athletes" phrase either, what with all their compression garments. (Although to be fair, they do sell lots of kit for other sports like swimming)

rob dixon 3

27/04/2012 at 20:30

Agree with Andinista, hacks me off a bit, too. Maybe because I just can't be an athete myself, hence an inferior being. And have you noticed how so many hill-goers are running now in the adverts? I'm sure it's out of all proportion.

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