sporting faces

[mata hati]

Hi
Can anyone explain to me , when reporting about folk winning sports events - why are the winners always shown with nasty agressive faces - baring their teeth like wild animals ? Why not show them looking pleased that their efforts have paid off? I dont think it gives sport a "sporting" look. What do others think ?

[andy-hughes]

The photos usually capture them in the middle of their sport, which usually involves intesnse physical effort and concentration - and is design to show the essenece of the personality involved.

I only mind when the shoot female athletes or more usually tennis players with their bicepts flexed - as when they servie or volley, and then infer that they are butch, which is untrue, and taking advantage.

Gabriella Sabatini butch? yeah, right!

[Quinlad]

Erm... they are looking pleased. The photos normally capture them shouting, usually after scoring or winning. It's not as if they're posing for the press and showing their teeth.

A release of emotion is a natural reaction after when you dedicate your entire life to attaining those moments.

And sport is all the better for it. It's joyless to pine for the days of a firm handshake and a cheery nod.

[anotheoldgit]

I know what you mean, and couln't agree more but, I don't think sportspersons are the only ones to display this pent-up aggression.

These days it seems a very large number of people have this built in aggression, one only has to notice the way some answers questions on AB.

[naomi24]

It's not aggression. It's supreme effort and a competitive spirit - and if they didn't have that, they wouldn't be winners.

When they're receiving their medals and trophies, I think you'll find they're usually smiling.

[mata hati]

Thanks for all the answers!

I'm not getting at the sportspersons themselves - but, I suppose, the media who portray this aggressive look - I think it gives sport an un-necessary feel that aggression goes along hand in hand sport - or it's cool to look menacing!