Top five popular sports in America
American Perspective
Marques Hunter
Issue date: 12/4/03 Section: Sports
3. Basketball is a game that nearly 300 million people play worldwide today. In America, it is one of the most popular sports, but is also a very popular sport in other countries as well. Interestingly enough, America and Russia are two countries that hold basketball to a high level of popularity. Players from Russia and surrounding countries are playing in the NBA. It is a culturally diverse sport and opening up new doors for foreign athletes to excel in an American- based sport. Michael Jordan is probably the most recognized player in basketball. His athletic talent on the court along with his consumer appeal in advertising has broadened his image to fans across the world.
4. Hockey is not an American-based sport, but people in America understand that hockey is one of the most popular sports in America. The continent's first hockey league was supposedly launched in Kingston, Ontario, in 1885, and it included four teams. A sport richly influenced by Canadian athletes, the game of hockey has transcended into America and become a popular sport for teenagers and young adults that enjoy playing street hockey, a similar version to traditional hockey on ice. Similar to basketball, hockey is a very popular sport in Russia. Wayne Gretzkey is one of the most popular hockey players to ever play in the NHL.
5. Golf is one of America's most popular sport for one reason alone...Tiger Woods. He has taken over the world of golf and also advertising. His face is seen everywhere in the media and is arguably the most recognized athlete in the world today. His phenomenal talent has inspired many African American's to play the game today. His statement to America is that it doesn't matter what color you are when it comes to playing a sport. He's a quintessential role model for young teenagers and a sporting icon for golfers in America. Because golf originated in Scotland, it's played all around the world. But because Tiger Woods and other well-respected golfers are still playing and winning tournaments, golf will continue to be extensively covered in America's mainstream media.
4. Hockey is not an American-based sport, but people in America understand that hockey is one of the most popular sports in America. The continent's first hockey league was supposedly launched in Kingston, Ontario, in 1885, and it included four teams. A sport richly influenced by Canadian athletes, the game of hockey has transcended into America and become a popular sport for teenagers and young adults that enjoy playing street hockey, a similar version to traditional hockey on ice. Similar to basketball, hockey is a very popular sport in Russia. Wayne Gretzkey is one of the most popular hockey players to ever play in the NHL.
5. Golf is one of America's most popular sport for one reason alone...Tiger Woods. He has taken over the world of golf and also advertising. His face is seen everywhere in the media and is arguably the most recognized athlete in the world today. His phenomenal talent has inspired many African American's to play the game today. His statement to America is that it doesn't matter what color you are when it comes to playing a sport. He's a quintessential role model for young teenagers and a sporting icon for golfers in America. Because golf originated in Scotland, it's played all around the world. But because Tiger Woods and other well-respected golfers are still playing and winning tournaments, golf will continue to be extensively covered in America's mainstream media.