noun
fighting spirit in sports; guts; tenacity
Abbreviation of スポーツ根性. Refers to the never-give-up attitude, grit, and perseverance often glorified in sports manga and dramas. Can be used both positively and ironically.
あの漫画は典型的なスポ根ものだ。
That manga is a typical gutsy sports story.
彼の練習量はまさにスポ根だ。
His training regimen is the epitome of fighting spirit.
根性 is the general word for willpower or guts. スポ根 specifically refers to this quality in a sports context, often with a dramatic or old-school nuance.
Abbreviation of スポーツ根性 (supōtsu konjō, 'sports fighting spirit'). The kanji 根 means 'root' or 'spirit', and the irregular form スポ魂 uses 魂 ('soul') for emphasis.