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are olympic medal winners heros?

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Unknown User
Quote by sparky33
Heroes no, inspiration yes, often spoilt rich kids? Yes.
But they do instill a sense of pride, and if they beat the best the rest of the world has to offer, why knock it?
Did Australia or the USA have a bad year? Maybe, but only because the person racing/competing wasn't as good as the person that beat them.
Will the best ones now make mega bucks out of it, yes.
On another note, a nationalistic one, they winners should also have been able to choose what flag the held, Welsh, Scottish, Irish or English, not forced to hoist the Union flag.
Also, the winner of the most medals isn't getting all the recognition he should, it's the English female swimmer who is getting all the accolades (2 golds), when in fact, the most successful British olympian was the Scot, Chris Hoy (3 golds)!

They were not forced it was team GB from the start. Team GB where they were all the same and like it or not, the union jack was the flag they all knew was going to be raised.
Unknown User
Quote by Cherrytree
My twopennarth -
Whether they are heroes or not depends on your interpretation of the word, not on what they have achieved, so we could go on forever debating that.
But I think the pomp, ceremony, adulation, fame, all that stuff, serves a need - it's a national morale boost, it unites people with a feel-good factor, and, imo, is as much a reflection on what makes the public happy, as it is a celebration of the sporting achievements.

Very true cherry which is why I copied the REAL meaning of the word, and NOT what others interpret what it is.
It can also mean model as in a role model. Now if these atheletes are role models, which I think we can all say they are, then whatever anyone thinks of the word hero the real meaning is the one to go by.
Peanut
Sex God
Quote by sparky33
Remember guys, these are all personal opinions, so therefore nobody is either right or wrong. smile

Agreed, some are bollocks and others aren't bollocks :twisted:
Unknown User
Nope Olympic competitors are not heroes. I have no idea why folk find watching sport interesting. I am baffled as to why such activity seems to result in adulation or financial reward. I speak as a world class conkers athlete and can state that I have received no financial assistance in reaching this pinnacle of achievement. I expect no adulation or financial reward. I do like playing conkers though.
swcpl2005
Sexpert
Quote by sparky33
Heroes no, inspiration yes, often spoilt rich kids? Yes.

Evidence please. Then I will make my mind up if you actually know what you are talking about.
venus68
Casanova
Knowing the English language often has more than one meaning for one word I took the liberty of going to an online dictionary to see if their was any link with 'hero' in this context and it would appear there is.
In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.
A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life: soldiers and nurses who were heroes in an unpopular war.
A person noted for special achievement in a particular field: the heroes of medicine. See synonyms at celebrity.
The principal male character in a novel, poem, or dramatic presentation.

I personally didn't realise that the word was also used in this way, but as it is already accepted to have this meaning, I guess they must be heroes, as they did excel and they have certainly been role models for our children.
Unknown User
I fully believe that the meaning of the word "hero" has been watered down in recent years. I feel it's use to describe the achievements of sportsmen & women gives it less impact when it's used for the people who, IMHO, genuinely deserve it.
They are, indeed, inspirational. They deserve a bit of flag waving and a pat on the back.
However, to put Kelly Holmes in the same category as Lisa Potts? Nah.
David Beckham in the same category as someone who fought on the front line? Double nah.
Unknown User
Quote by winchwench
I fully believe that the meaning of the word "hero" has been watered down in recent years. I feel it's use to describe the achievements of sportsmen & women gives it less impact when it's used for the people who, IMHO, genuinely deserve it.
They are, indeed, inspirational. They deserve a bit of flag waving and a pat on the , to put Kelly Holmes in the same category as Lisa Potts? Nah.
David Beckham in the same category as someone who fought on the front line? Double nah.

Oh how very British does that sound? :shock:
Seems like something you would have done in the 40's and 50's, with a guy in a bowler hat patting them on the back no doubt. dunno
Unknown User
Quote by swcpl2005
Heroes no, inspiration yes, often spoilt rich kids? Yes.

Evidence please. Then I will make my mind up if you actually know what you are talking about.
I work with the Grandad of one of the "kids" who was competing at the Olympics.
Her parents have a second mortgage on their house due to funding training, travel and accomodation costs.
Is she spoilt or rich? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!
Maybe the chip on the shoulder is affecting the ability to type? :rascal:
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