Olympic First Loser – Say What?
I have been thinking about the Olympics. I haven’t watched them that much, we were on vacation when they started and then I had to go back to work . . . you know – life. We elect not to have DVR or TiVo, so I’m dependent upon news clips and the occasional watching if I’m around. I heard coming in second, being awarded a Silver medal, described as being the first loser. That’s really a shame. From time to time I’ve heard someone say, hey – “I did my best and the Gold medal winner was faster/stronger/better – so congrats all around”.
I don’t know if this is primarily an American attitude or an Olympic athlete attitude. I have heard several British Silver medal winners who seem thrilled to have won.
In an American society that has, for the last 20 years, largely awarded trophies just for showing up, I admire these Olympic athletes who have dealt with true competition their entire lives. I’m just sorry that they don’t see that winning the Silver isn’t losing.
I've heard that, too. The thought is incredible to me, especially when you stop to consider what it took to even GET there to compete, let alone win ANY medal. As far as some of the (I think gymnasts) adopting a petulant attitude when they don't get what they want, aren't most of them teenagers? And isn't that pretty much teenage modus operandi? It is in my house.
It's a shame it's viewed as losing. All of those athletes are winners just for qualifying to attend.
Whoever came up with "first loser" for a silver medal probably has never competed in something as grueling as an olympic competition. I am amazed at the talent and drive of olympians. Any athlete who qualified to compete is a winner.
Whoa. That's crazy! They are all the best of the best!
I totally agree! It's crazy! 2nd place in the world is losing?! Crazy!
Winning isn't everything. Some athletes can't handle anything short of coming in first place. The picture in your blog says it all. I was really disappointed in her. She pulled a Silver medal at the Olympics for God's sake! I'd be thrilled to have had the opportunity just to be part of it, even more excited to win a medal, regardless of the color.