Good looking athletes

I have vowed to myself never to watch another Olympic since the 1996 Atlanta summer games. However, I somehow got suckered into this one in Beijing. Anyways, while watching the different events, I noticed something I have not noticed in my younger years: a lot of athletes, men or women, are pretty attractive. I had to wonder, does how you look play at least somewhat of a role in team selection.

At first glance, you'd think, of course not! That is preposterous! But then again, IS IT?! Hmm? IS IT REALLY?! At least for the sports that a country has a honest shot at, do they really want to have Fugly McUgly tearing up to their national anthem? The reality is, having a beautiful man or woman respresenting your country at a moment of honor and success is much much more effective than an uglier person. Human nature, you can't fight it.

I'm not saying, an ugly person cannot accomplish something great. How a person looks has nothing to do with their mental or physical abilities. But let's compare 2 imaginary athletes throughout their lifetime careers and see how looks can effect them.

Brad and Carrot were born on the same day, and weighed exactly the same.
Since an early age both showed interests in sports.

- First obstacle, elementary school:
Brad was liked by everyone, including teachers, other parents, classmates of both gender, and coaches. He is confident because he has been treated well. He got to play more games, and as a result, got better and better.
Carrot was not noticed by a lot of people, despite his strong will to learn. He is not so confident, and coach benched him most of hte time, and as a result lost interest and quit the team.

Let's say Carrot was able to overcome that, and is at the same level as Brad for argument sake
- Second obstacle, junior high:
Same story, Carrot started going to the library more to escape into the books. Brad's muscles development is excelling due to more and more practice.

- Third obstacle, high school:
Same story, except much much worse. Carrot practically lived in the library, and read more and more books. Brad is undoubtably a hunk now.

- Fourth obstacle, college:
Brad got a sports scholarship, whereas Carrot had to score more than 1400 on his SAT to pay his way into college.

Next thing you know, Brad is on his way to Beijing winning medals. Obviously this story is completely fictitious, but assume Carrot overcame everything and became one of the finalists about to be picked to go to the Olympics. He is skilled and passionate and thinks finally, he can live his dream. Unfortunately, on the day the committee decides who's going to Beijing, he happens to stand right next to Brad. Oh beautiful beautiful Brad, with his pearly whites the years of confidence has helped him build. The committee looks between the two of them, and slams the gravel in favor of Brad. They can see his face with the gold medal, with the flag flowing, and their national anthem playing. This is the face, this is the face they want to have as a representation of the entire nation. Who can really blame them? wouldn't you want to show off your nation's best? If Brad and Carrot's skill level is the same, do you think Carrot will ever have a chance?

If you don't believe me, watch the Olympics, or go here. I'm confident enough to bet with each person you see on the list, there are at least 100 other uglier people that fell off at some stage listed above. So if you see a not so good looking guy or gal, cheer for them! (Unless they got that way by taking steroids) No matter which country they are competing for. They went through even more hardship than others to get to where they are.