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AI01

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Outside of traditional team sports, individual sports such as horse racing, cross fit, gymnastics and auto racing open doors for athletes who may be smaller in stature.

Horse racing has limits to weight, making the sport one of the friendliest for the not-so-tall.

A sport with height bias in our favor. For example, the Kentucky Derby weight limit for jockeys and their equipment is 126 pounds (57 kg).

Given the correlation of height and weight this sport caters to guys with smaller frames.

 

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The average jockey height is 4’10” to 5’6”. In 2018, Mike Smith (5’4”) won the illustrious Triple Crown, which is taking first place at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes the same year.

Already induced into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2003, Smith accomplished the feat at the age of 52.

 

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Cross fit enthusiasts will recognize the name Mat Fraser (5’7”). He has won the Reebok CrossFit Games three years in a row (2016-2018), earning him bragging rights as the “fittest man on earth.”

 

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Prior to Fraser’s three-peat, Mark Froning (5’9”) dominated the event, winning four times in a row (2011-2014). Froning has turned his winning ways to Reebok CrossFit team competitions and opened his own CrossFit gym.

Coincidentally, Fraser trains here. Perhaps training partners plus a gentleman’s agreement not to compete head-to-head?

Conclusion

To sum it up, quickness and dexterity tend to be the primary advantages of shorter athletes. Depending on the team sport, you may find players have niche skills for a specific position on offense or defense. In addition to height, weight is another consideration.