"Do athletes really go to the Olympics for their country, or for themselves?"
Only the naive believe they're in it "for country."
It's about personal glory and a hopeful payday -- let's face it.
I have to disagree with you...somewhat
When Canadians finish an event, doesn't matter what place they finished, be it 1-2 or 29, they come and do an interview with a BIG smile on, if they lose they put no blame on anyone, and ALL are thankfull to represent Canada...
Example...hockey teams...
I'm sure MOST of the hockey players in the Olympics are in it for their country and not for personal gains.
Just cos some spoiled American kicks his foot out at the end of the race to show that HE was the reason why the US SHOULD have won a medal, doesn't mean that all athletes are so full of themselves like that.
"With Hedrick bolting out like the dominant skater he is..."
He is the reason why the Americans didn't get into the semi-finals...
This was a team event, having Hendrick leave his teamates behind, and kicking his leg in front of the finish line showed one thing...that he wanted to prove to the world that losing in the QF's wasnt his fault, trying to upstage his teamates...
But it was his fault...