U.S. Winning Olympics in Number of Excuses

Article: The Olympics have ended, as of last night. In the two previous Olympics, the U.S. won more medals than any other country but this year, the U.S. Team did not do as well, in nearly every competition. Yet one thing the U.S. did very well: making excuses for their losses! While some were legitimate excuses (a ski-jumper having an ACL surgery before competing), some just seemed unwilling to take responsibility for their own actions. After American speed skater Shani Davis finished 8th in his race, he said, implying conspiracy, "That fact that we're that far out, something's up." What does that mean? Only Kikkan Randall, who lost at the freestyle sprint has said simply, "Unfortunately, I fell apart just before the finish line." Here's a sampling of some of the excuses:

• The snow was bad and I couldn't practice enough (Shaun White, snowboard half-pipe competition)
• I was great; the judges weren't good (Hannah Teter, snowboard half-pipe)
• I was thinking too hard; and I hadn't practiced slalom racing all year, instead surfing (Julia Mancuso, slalom race)
• The snow was humid and caused me to be too slow; the flat light on the mountain hurt my eyes (Miller, men's downhill skiing)
• I'm too big and strong for this race (Hannah Kearney, mogul skier)
• The referees got it wrong (Hilary Knight, hockey)

 Discussion

• What does it mean to make excuses v. taking responsibility for your own actions? 
• Think of an example where you've done that or heard someone else do that. 
• Most of the excuse-makers, above, have won medals in previous Olympics. Why do they feel compelled to make excuses now? 
• What was your favorite memory from the Olympics?