Because Femke not only is the next darling of track and field, but is also an absolute dawg. Her comebacks in relays time and time again are insanely impressive. I mean 47.93??? I'm proudly American but Femke is just down to Earth and seems to have a great personality. I'm American but I'm rooting for Femke
Also not hate on Syd I just like Bol more but they're both amazing just to clear that up
I wonder, is "arrogance" or "swagger" a more compelling trait for athletes outside of the US? The last I remembered, Bolt was not known for his humility, but was a draw nonetheless. This is an honest question.
I appreciate your honesty about the God talk. I just wonder why it os so offensive, when of you replace it woth, "tue process," or other things that athletes tend to fall back on in interviews, it feels fairly harmless from an objective point of view. She doesn't push on others, but just claims as her source, whereas someone else might claim something else.
This! One thing that gets me is that many have talked about personality, but they both are about business when on the track, equally locked in. Off the track it seem.people have chosen to ignore SML's interviews, media presence, etc., where her personality is shown. I have never heard anyone say a bad word after meeting her, nor have I ever heard her bad mouth a competitor. Instead (see interview after this last race in Paris) she often is very complimentary and credits both women on either side for advancing the sport. Never about I, but always an inclusive we. I just don't see the personality thing so many have mentioned was lacking.
I have my favorite runners, and I cheer for them in the Olympics regardless of nationality. In other sports, I cheer for the US. As for Femke Bol, I'd seen her name floated prior to the Olympics, and I did not know what event she did or even that she was female. Judging by the name, I thought she might be an African track athlete based solely on my knowing of the former NBAer, Manute Bol. Also, I generally pay little attention to hurdles or relays.
That same team that so desperately needed SML broke the world record just a few days prior to silver...so I'm not so sure I see your point. If anything, the relay folk would have wanted SML to rep the women's 4x4, which is a reflection on the teams decision, more than SML's.
It is pretty hard to smile when you just broke your body shattering another world record, but after a few moments of recovery, SML is all smiles and a gracious interview, always.