As has no doubt been noted by anybody who cares about these matters, Liu Xiang was disqualified on the basis of two false starts at the Prefontaine Classic grand prix in Eugene, Oregon over the weekend. Ordinarily, this would not be worth noting. But ordinarily, Chinese athletes aren’t inclined to explain their performances – failed or successful – quite like this:
“My speed is so fast I did not realize I had the false start.”
Having spent the last few years watching Yao Ming look like he wants to apologize to the opposing team every time he pumps his fist, I’m positively refreshed by Liu’s (warranted) cockiness. Indeed, for the better part of – what? eight years? – sports fans in China have had to put up with the sad spectacle of passive aggressive Chinese Olympians pretending that all they really want to do in Beijing is join hands with their competitors – and not lay a humiliating second-place finish in the medal race on the USA.
So a heartfelt thanks to Liu Xiang for injecting some fun – some real athletic competition – into what was becoming (what a commentator on this blog called) the No Fun Olympics. Bring it on, I say. This shouldn’t be a tea party (and while we’re at it: please stop teaching Chinese sports fans how to cheer politely. That’s not fun, either).
[Of course, one could argue that Liu’s statement makes no sense whatsoever. How can you be so fast as to overlook something that starts from a dead-stop? But whatever.]
[UPDATE: Over dinner, a friend correctly pointed out that Chinese sports culture – especially national sports culture – has never placed a high priority on fun. Sport is serious business, done for national (or provincial) honor, and don’t you forget it. The Chinese rowing team, as described in Juliet Macur’s fine 1 June NYT feature, perfectly exemplifies this attitude. Which, again, is why Liu’s preening is so refreshing.]
Good post. I wonder how the Chinese athletes will react to the pressure in Beijing. It seems like many of them have never been involve in sports for enjoyment but only because it is their job. Then maybe they perform better?
Well, I think athletes are trained to compete, not to concede. But in Chinese culture, modesty is regarded as a virtue, while cockiness is disapproved. Maybe that’s why Liu Xiang makes people feel different. 🙂
Speaking Chinese sports culture never placed a high priority on fun may be exaggerated as people do enjoy sports at home, in the school and even in national sports events. There were times when athletes were assigned ‘national missions’ to win an honor for the mother country, but this is changing. Honor and gold medals are important, but fun makes people stronger.
Jianjun –
Good comment. And you’re right – my claim that Chinese sports culture doesn’t emphasize fun was a bit thin. My focus was more on the national sports establishment that trains athletes for international and national competition. Obviously, though, one need only look at the average Chinese schoolyard at lunchtime to see children enjoying sports for sports sake.
The No Fun part reminded me of a Beijing violin player I knew in the HK Symphony Orchestra in the 80’s. When asked what composer she enjoyed playing the most, she said “I hate playing, this is just my job” basically something she was trained and bred to do since childhood. Music without passion or enjoyment… and Sports without passion or enjoyment is truly a sad thing to behold.