Who thinks that the Chinese are putting way too much pressure on their athletes?

Question

I went to a lot of the Olympic games this summer, and I can see how the Chinese are totally competitive. (By the way, did anyone read the TIME magazine article back in May or something?) When Liu Xiang couldn't compete, I felt so sorry for him. It's hard to imagine the weight and hope of your whole nation is put on your shoulders. I mean, now, a lot of people around me are very angry about this and at him, and not understanding at all. I can't help but feel sorry. :-(

Answer 1

Me for one

Answer 2

I definitely agree, but you have to know, when Liu Xiang was a kid (around 8 years old), he BEGGED the schools to take him in, any sports school.  The guy loves hurdling, and yes, he has so much pressure, and as lonely and isolated as he is...I don't think he'd change a thing.  I can tell that he loves China and he loves the people in his country.

I felt shock, confusion, and pity for him at first.  But now, I'm feeling fiercely proud of him.  It took a lot of courage to step down...if he had competed, he would've had a career-ending injury.  Shame on everyone who's angry at him--what have THEY done for him or their country?  Liu Xiang has nothing to apologize for, even though he did apologize.

Answer 3

We enjoy pressure!

Is it illegal?

Answer 4

i think they do

Answer 5

amenn to that sister

Answer 6

yes, some of us are putting way too much pressure onto our athelets.  

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

Of course the Chinese are putting a bit more pressure than usual on their athletes, the Olympics are being held on their own home. They HAVE to win or else people will think lowly of the Chinese for not being able to win on their own home field. And the other countires are pressuring their athletes, its the olympics for gods sake, what country wouldnt want to push their athletes to win? Also, its not like the athletes are being FORCED to win. Many of the athletes have volunteered so that they can earn money for their families. Like that woman who won the gold in the firing range. Her family needed money so she joined the Olympics and win the gold along with the cash prize for her family. Michael Phelps is just trying to set a world record for himself. that sounds kinda selfish to me, although hes still a good athlete. Plus Liu Xiang could've backed out anytime. He just didnt want to dissapoint anyone, he didnt think the pain would be that bad until the time of the race. Chinas athletes arent just winning because theyre being pushed, most have been training their whole lives for the Olympics

Answer 9

It is sad, isn't it?

Answer 10

Only losers crack under pressure. If you are a true champion, you thrive under pressure, especially when 1.3 billion people is counting on you to represent the country.

As for Liu, a lot of people thing he just wimped out because he knew he wouldnt be able to repeat as Gold. I think the pressure just got to him. I dont think he would have been able to repeat either. I'm not saying he faked his injury but I'm disappointed that he gave up so easily.