So, every day I see these athletes winning medals. Sometimes it's gold and sometimes it's silver or bronze. I find each of these accomplishments really impressive.
Yet, the winner of a silver medal has just minutes later to "explain themselves" in front of a camera as to why it's not gold. You'll frequently hear phrases like "... and that's where I messed up."
And I am thinking: You messed up? You got silver, not last place.
Same thing with football matches. Out of all the teams that make it to the final, it's like all the previous matches didn't even happen if they don't win.
Am I missing something? Is silver only ever a "consolation price"? Or are we too hard on athletes who are in my opinion already impressive when they qualify for the olympics?