I love how competitive sports brings out passion in people. Ok,..I’m not talking about the “Passion” that comes out of brutes that would cause another person injury physically or emotionally. I’m talking about the love of the game and the expression of it that tends to be drawn out when in adversity.
I remember about three Summer Olympics ago, Chinese athletes had a reputation for being stoic, remaining emotionless through win or loss. I understand retaining focus in certain sports..but gosh, show some emotion after you win a gold, some sort of emotional response releasing the years of hard work and thanking your supporters for rooting you on. I’m watching men’s volleyball, China vs. Bulgaria… every member on the team is howling, grunting, pumping fist.. what a change!
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September 18, 2008 at 7:56 am
Mard
The athletes were allowed to be themselves this year- it was never a cultural thing, more like the Communist Party wanted to control EVERYTHING their athletes did. A lot of that control is still there, but this year, on their very own home stage, it would have been ridiculous to deny these sportsmen and women the right to rejoice… and even weep.