In the two articles “Lifesaver” by Lorne Zeiler, and “Raymond’s Run” by Toni Cade Bambara, both the two sport competitors, Larry from “Lifesaver” and Hazel from “Raymond’s Run” learn a great deal by participating in competitive sports. Many would argue that Larry from “Lifesaver” learned a lot more, but in an overall aspect both of them learn great life lessons.

The characters from “Lifesaver” Larry learned a great deal. He learned how to sacrifice his goal and dreams for another person. Larry taught himself that helping someone out is far more important than winning a medal. This is shown when the speaker addresses the audience by saying” Lemieux noticed a capsized two-person boat, 1 470 class that had drifted of. He spotted one member of the crew hanging on the boat”, and later the author also shares that “Lemieux decided that he hat to pull out of the race to help the other sailors”.

Lets not forget Hazel from ”Raymond’s Run”. She too learned a great  amount from competitive sport. Hazel learned how to respect and admire other competitors. She also learned and came to her senses that helping others, like her brother was important if they were in need. This is shown when the author mentions “Maybe she’d life to help me coach Raymond; she is obviously serous about running”.

Both characters from these stories change dramatically, and learn great life lessons. In the end it clearly stands, that Larry learned and achieved more. Not only has he learned, how valuable life is by saving someone instead of winning, buy he also learns how to stand up for himself. This is expressed to the audience, when the author writes “After the race, Larry lunched a protest regarding his placing and the two sailors stayed by him as the Olympic association ruled on his appeal”

In the end  the majority would conclude that Larry learned more in competitive sports. Compared to Hazel, Larry showed a good example of what many people wouldn’t do. This proves that everyone has a good side, except everyone uses it  at a different time.