Seriously? Why is this an issue?
Sounds like the coach has a known personal connection with the Korean swimmer, and was showing support and solidarity with his international friends and competitors.
From my reading his behaviour sounds very Australian. And good on him. Sure maybe he could’ve just wished him well, but in the excitement and business of the day who can blame him for being a little over the top.
We aren’t really a country that expresses a win at all costs attitude, but thats the impression i get about the other team members quoted in the article. Their comments seem a bit un-Australian to me.
Yeah, it’s a massive overreaction but that’s the nature of the Olympics. People are so high on the patriotism during this period, the entire country turns into a cringe circlejerk. Swimming is always the worst offender and has the most toxic culture around it because it’s the sport we perform the best in.
Well thats a good point. They must feel an extra pressure in general to live up to the reputation the public has come to expect.
‘UnAustralian’ is the word you use when you want to say, ‘It’s the vibe of the thing,’ but you don’t know what the thing is.
This is why i prefer mountain biking and slopestyle. The riders are friends with one another. There is competition, sure, but all the riders want to see all the others succeed. When Emil wins all the competitors cheer with him. Thats what sports should be about, friendly competition and celebration of the sport, not kicking someone to the curb because they were excited for someone who doesn’t share their nationality.
