Which country is most likely to treat an Olympian badly for not winning GOLD?

Question

Gee first 6 answers say China and I would have chosen the USA.

Answer 1

I'd say China. Great emphasis is put on these people winning, and if they don't they feel they've let their country down.

For the people who've said the US...how many of you are FROM the US? I am from the US and while I felt incredibly bad for the folks who didn't qualify for the relay and Laura Wilkinson and all the other US athletes who haven't won a medal, I in no way fell badly towards them, or let down, I feel FOR them and hope they get to live their olympic dreams in 2012

Answer 2

China

Answer 3

China...

If they had competed in individual sports where they could’ve racked up multiple medals, rather than be part of a team that won just one, those three could have been more valuable by medal count standards.

In China, they wouldn’t have had a choice. A sports star, like the property a house is built on, is owned by the government. The pursuit of sport is for national pride. The motivation is societal, as opposed to capitalistic in the United States.

I know China wont treat them like Sadaam did the Soccer team after losing (death), but these kids are basically forced and trained like animals from a young age for this, seeing their parents maybe twice a year if lucky.

Answer 4

Do any people above me can even point out China on a world map? China offers around US 200k for gold, 100k for silver and 50k for bronze to their athletes, while USA only offers 25k for gold, 15k for silver and 10k for bronze, and, only gymnasts in China are choosen by gymnastic officials at young age, all other athletes can choose whatever sports they like. And for Americans, I doubt they even heard most of their athletes before they win gold. Chinese worship their athletes as long as they represent the country. Gee, thank god USA doesn't get 2016 game.

Answer 5

I would have said USA as well, they seem to think that everything they go for they should win.  Look at both the relay teams, they will be in hot water when they get home.

Little people can do batten changes so why not the "best" team in the world?

Answer 6

I agree with the answer above. China :)

The citizens don't exactly have many other priviledges like the Olympics. On top of that China has more people which means more contenders for the Olympic qualification. Failure is not acceptable.

^Lol at Saddam ^

Answer 7

China. They're striving for perfection. Anything else is considered a failure. We're pretty brutal.

Answer 8

probably some countries in the Middle East.. they will execute their failed athletes

Answer 9

How many people who answer China are FROM China or even been to China? Olympians are respected wherever they go. There is no point to this question.  

Answer 10

I would say China.

Answer 11

China. During some of the gymnastics events it was said it was either Gold or nothing. Unless another countryman got Gold of course. Things like this always make me sad and I almost start wishing they don't get anything. There are so many people who's dreams would come true with a Silver or Bronze medal.  

Answer 12

Any country, like the USA, would be disappointed if their athlete didn't win a gold medal.  But the United States is a very independent nation, where emphasis is put on the self.  In Eastern nations like China, more emphasis is put on community.  So in essence, when these athletes don't get a gold medal, they're not failing themselves, they're failing their whole country.  

Answer 13

Definitely Australia.  Thorpey has had to practically relocate to New York City to make a living.  He now calls America his second home.  If Thorpe gets treated so shabbily, imagine what it would have been like if he hadn't won his gold medals.  Shame on Australia.