Competition and Achievement

I didn't have high hopes of enjoying the Olympics and I haven't been disappointed. The endless reminders of Team GB's ascent, the propaganda, and the hot air, all serve to remind me of the futility of identifying yourself with teams and nations. Our athletes always make 'valiant efforts' when they struggle in 23rd, and the nation always seems so much more at ease with itself when we are the top of the sporting tree. Does it?

The only form of endeavour worth a candle is personal endeavour. I will happily follow Paula Radcliffe to see if she can do better than she did last year, but i will equally do that with the Chinese weightlifter or with the American gymnast with the impossibly large thighs. Not because of their country, but because of their unique path and individual struggle.

I'd rather watch the X Factor and see reality (kind of) in all its glory. The supreme achievement and transformation of people with talent from nothing into something and the cold realisations dished out by Cowell and co.

We know its commercialised hype, which is exactly what the Olympics is. But at least in the X Factor its the individual that is celebrated, not the illusion that is the nation state.

Those that worship the flag of the country in which they live are destined to be buried in it. The individual can fly without the aid of any pole.