I know Svetlana isn't very personable, but you kind of have to feel sorry for her. I see such desperation in her eyes. Our U.S. atheletes don't medal and we think: "that's such a shame, but it's okay". Atheletes from what we once considered Iron Curtain countries have their whole livelyhood riding on their performance. If they don't medal, it is total dishonor.
Originally posted by calypso*a*go-go I know Svetlana isn't very personable, but you kind of have to feel sorry for her. I see such desperation in her eyes. Our U.S. atheletes don't medal and we think: "that's such a shame, but it's okay". Atheletes from what we once considered Iron Curtain countries have their whole livelyhood riding on their performance. If they don't medal, it is total dishonor.
My emotion (after getting over the shock that she fell) was that I felt pity for her. Mostly because I read (on another thread) what she said about not winning the gold all-around. Blaming everyone else and all the big talk. Then she falls and there is no one to blame but herself.
She gave an interview where she basically said that the only reason Karly Patterson won the gold was that she is American- she blamed the judges for underscoring her routines. Said she was robbed of the Gold. Also said that Karly was just a tumbler and she had no staying power- said gymnastics should be judged more for style and grace, rather than just the mechanic tumbling.