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This paper considers various conceptions of competition. Distinctions are made between positive and negative consequences of participating in competitive activities and between views that competition is intrinsically positive or negative. When examining and critiquing the nature of competition the root word (com-petitio: to strive together) is highlighted. From this, it is argued that the proposition that competition is intrinsically selfish cannot withstand an analysis of what is meant by 'selfish :The paper concludes that competition is intrinsically positive, and furthermore, that participation in competitive activities provides the opportunity to develop skills in the pursuit of excellence. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of viewing competition as 'striving together' for teachers and students in a physical education context.

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