[OldDutch]

I think the point by Jungle Jim, and I do see it and share it, is this. "Own the Podium" set the measure of success by medals, not trying your best, or having fun, just medal count.

Basically the gov't said, here is a bunch of cash we are going to invest in you. You have been asking for this money for a long time, so here it is. In return (ROI) you will provide us with medals. Our country will be proud, and everybody wins.

Now when the athlete accepts that cash it comes with purse strings attached. You have now agreed to demanded result for money (aka a real job). When the performance does not meet the result, and you fall on your face, you fail to meet the agreed upon result. Like any job the boss gets pi**ed, and in this event the tax payers are the boss.

So when an athlete takes that money and comes back and says things like "I don't know if I have it in me anymore" or "I am just here to have fun", the boss gets infuriated. Justifiably so.

I do agree with Jungle Jim, because of the athletes so far who took the money, and didn't try their best. Like any boss who pulls a slacking employee into his office, he is sending notice that this attitude is not acceptable to the rest of the team.

However, I think he should save the rant until the end of the games. That is when we will see.