Contender

:For the reality television series of the same name, see The Contender (television series).

Related Topics:
Reality television - The Contender (television series)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

:For the 2000 movie of the same name, see The Contender (movie).

Related Topics:
2000 - Movie - The Contender (movie)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A contender is a stock character found in stories and films depicting the development and triumph of an individual through athletic achievement. The typical story arc of the contender is that of an young individual with raw natural talent who is held back through lack of knowledge of the sport, discipline or self-confidence. Through the encouragement of a coach or other guiding figure, usually in the form of a Wise Old Man or a magical negro the contender overcomes internal limitations, and achieves their potential, exemplified by victory in an athletic competition.

Related Topics:
Stock character - Wise Old Man - Magical negro

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Examples of individual contenders include:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Rocky Balboa
• Daniel DeRusso (the title character in The Karate Kid)
• Rick 'Wild Thing' Vaughn in Major League
• Rannulph Junuh (the golfer aided by the title character in the Legend of Bagger Vance)
• Daniel E. 'Rudy' Ruettiger (the title character in Rudy)

Sometimes a book or film portrays a team sport in which several members of the team are contenders, and their success is based in part on those team members providing the necessary guidance and support for one another. Examples of team contenders include:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• The Bad News Bears
• The Mighty Ducks
• Little Giants
• The Big Green
• The Texas State University Fightin' Armadillos in Necessary Roughness