This week has seen two big British hopes see defeat. Firstly on Monday, England's U21s crashed at the final hurdle to, wait for it, GERMANY! But at least we had another beacon of hope. Andy Murray, unfortunately his lights were out before showtime started.Theres has been a continued failure in British sports over the years, apart from the Rugby World Cup in 2003, you'd have to go a long way back before any kind of success for the isles. (Let's not include Athletics here, although we haven't troubled USA for a while now). But the question to raise is: 'Is this the fault of the British Public or the British Media?'
"I hope these players don't win tonight, otherwise they'll be called the Golden Generation!". This was the quip of one public contributor on a sports website during Monday's game. Our unwillingness to completely follow our greatest athletes is obvious. Everyone wanted the U21's to get to the Final, the 'doubters' wanted them to lose the final...well, because they dont like the satisfaction of having winners, perhaps in the fear of arrogance. For all of everyone who supported Murray throughout Wimbledon 2009, there would have been a great amount who would have wished for his failure (Scot or Brit debate?) We love 2nd place in this country! loll...
The press also have an uncanny ability to pressure athletes in thinking they have the right to win or that this year 'is their year!'..it never materialises. The countless 'do you think you can win?' interviews must surely cause unnecessary pressure augmentation on players. And pressure affects performance. It also questions what role the press have to play in the public's perception of the sports outcomes.
Do we really care that much to begin with that Murray could win or that the U21s are world beaters? Or do the press force it upon you?
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