Let us compare two contemporary ski champions.
The first attempted a comeback. She tore her cruciate ligaments during her preparation, nevertheless took the start, crashed heavily and fractured her leg.
In fact, she failed.
The second had suffered a double tibia–fibula fracture last season. She has just won two Olympic gold medals.
In fact, she has achieved tremendous success.
Which one has been the subject of endless press coverage? The first.
What is her nationality? American.
From an intercultural perspective, it is interesting to decode this phenomenon.
First of all, nothing is gratuitous. This lady is heavily sponsored: 8 to 10 million USD per year, according to estimates by the specialized press.
Since one cannot communicate about the American “winner,” the emphasis is placed on her resilience, highlighting her strength of character during rehabilitation: to borrow American phraseology, her “positive mindset” is “inspiring.”
Moreover, sports marketers tell us that this aligns well with the values of Generation Z.
“Yes we can” and “MAGA” = the same driving force.
Is it good or bad? Neither: it simply IS.
Americans cultivate, from high school onward, the talent of putting themselves forward through narrative. It is part of their cultural DNA.
One must still be aware of this and manage it, rather than marvel, as many French journalists do, for example, at this American athlete.
As for the Italian double Olympic gold medalist Federica Brignone: BRAVISSIMA!
