The bowling scene from The Big Lebowski is pretty much an exact representation of the two types of characters that I encounter in competition: The Dude and Jesus. One is care-free and the other is a caricature of self-assured grandiosity. Both are confident of victory and fearless in their own way. Here’s the scene:

Most competitors embody some aspect of both. I go back and forth as well, landing somewhere between wearing a pink matching outfit and kicking back with a white russian (vodka, kahlua, and cream).

Here’s some more brilliant absurdity from John Turturro (playing Jesus):