A clue to the irrationality that sport can inspire is this: that it enables us to empathise, not with someone like us, but with someone most unlike us. Insofar as we are able to understand and appreciate what that someone does, so we are able to claim him as our own. I wonder if there is a parallel here with the unreasonable possessiveness men can have for a woman, with however little justification. The logic seems to be: I am able to appreciate your beauty, therefore it, and you, belong to me.