It doesn't really matter to me which country wins, but honestly I don't see how Femke is better or more interesting than Sydney. Neither has an amazing personality but both are great athletes. I assume it's down to skin color unless someone else can make a more compelling argument.
And don't bring up the mixes 4 by 4. It's a fun event but still D-list.
Maybe for you Femke has not an amazing personality, but everybody loves her for her personality
Femke does alot for the sport - competes frequently at a high level and really seems to enjoy racing and the sport in general. She also has a great relationship with her teammates and loves running the relays like she did today. Bottom line she is easy to root for!
People are not rooting against a country they are rooting for an athlete that they can relate to. In the case of Bol, she is more approachable and accessible and people like her demeanor versus the moody and never smiling and rarely competing demeanor of SML.
Wait, what is a country?? Liberals have told me that nations are "ideas", that borders are arbitrary, that "America" is merely a tax farm for a global empire, that "nationalism" is evil, that we're all "citizens of the world." But now I'm obligated to root for those with USA on their uniforms? Interesting!
Glad to see some posts shouting out Kuts in 1956, Mills in 1964, and Viren winning in a WR in 1972 despite falling halfway through. Another lesser known thriller was the 1980 Olympic 10000. Amazing five-way battle with many surges and lead changes, with Viren making his last stand, before Yifter puts down the hammer, looking like Geb before Feb, in the last 300m.
i think if there is any bias it is probably related to Bol running many more competitions rather than a select few races.
For me I’m just indifferent to people that barely or never race. Mu seems to hate running in general and just does it as a side gig for some other end. Syd seems like she is also not interested.
Im kind of glad we lost the mixed 4x4 because we as a country didn’t really try. Let’s just throw some random people in and get top 3, or maybe some arrogance about how little we could try and still get gold backfired.
I dont' cheer for my country (USA) just because it's my country. My bias is for my country; however, who I cheer for individually depends on the individuals in the race and what I know of their character. I have the utmost respect for Femke & SML, for example, and can't cheer either one against each other. I hope they put on a show at their ultimate best. However, there are certain members of the U.S. squad I will actively cheer AGAINST because of their character.
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