People tend to create idols for themselves. Although this is a violation of one of the commandments of the bible. But there is nothing bad that would imitate a worthy person who shows the right example. It can be simple people who do heroic things. Why do not we imitate those people who help the homeless and sacrifice the time to help those who need help? But apparently it's a utopia.
What do we see in the real world? People become fans of non-existent characters in movies or games. People feed themselves illusions. The same can be said about the "great" athletes. Yes, sport is good and no one disputes with this. Sportsmen perform several roles. In one of them - these are talented people who delight the audience with their achievements (or game). But another role is public life. Yes they are successful and they have all the dreams of millions of other people. This is the main reason for fanaticism.
I read a lot about the "back" side of famous sportsmen or even actors and politicians. Many of them are at the center of scandals. Glory turns their heads. Your article opens your eyes to such right things. We began to forget where the real heroes are. It is not necessary to be famous to perform heroic and worthy deeds.
Thank you, this is a great article that must be read!
You make some very valid arguments and I can understand your frustration. Sports has become such a huge entertainment machine that we are constantly inundated with images and stories of the great things these athletes do and we glorify so readily.