Can weightlifting be considered an alternative to varsity sports?

[bluedog]

While reading through the forums, I found out that different activities can hold the same weight as a varsity sport. For example boxing. Would the same hold true for something like weightlifting? The reason I am asking is it is not as similar to traditional sports, especially because first, it is not a team event, and second you do not really compete against anyone.

I have been lifting since my freshman year and to be honest, I enjoy it way more than I enjoy sports. I am not crazy big or strong but have gained 50 pounds. My push-ups have also gone from barely being able to do 1 to doing 50 in a row. This would give me something to talk about. At the same time would this be one of the events that can count in the same category as varsity sports? Cause making it in West Point is my top priority above having fun in high school. If doing sports instead or cutting back on weight lifting in the least would help I would do it.

I know this is a stupid question but thought it was worth asking. I know I could do both but I spend almost 12 hours a week lifting and adding 10 hours of sports a week, only including practice, would cut down drastically on other things I have time to do.

 

[USMAZoo98]

Unless you are doing weightlifting as a competitive activity, it would not be treated as an alternative to varsity sports. It appears that you are describing weightlifting as a personal activity/hobby that you do regularly. But it is not part of a team, part of any competitive track, and not done as an organized event led by a captain or coach. Boxing or some other type of combat sport (like martial arts) can be viewed as an alternative because those sports are in fact a competitive activity, unless someone just boxes for the fun of it. In that case, it also would not be considered an alternative. You should look at joining a competitive sport team or club team to improve your application.