England's cricket team has had a fantastic couple of years under Michael Vaughan's leadership and, who knows?, we might give even the mighty Aussies a run for their money. But Britain still has a long way to go to match the Aussie sporting mentality.
Consider the British reaction to Paula Radcliffe's sad marathon run. The poor girl has been branded a "hero" and "brave" because she quit when she saw her medal chances disappearing in front of her. Her surrender is branded a heroic achievement.
Meanwhile in Australia, a member of its women's eight rowing team is branded a national disgrace for stopping rowing in the final, condemning her team to last place. She has been branded a quitter.
Paula, you're a lovely lass and a fantastic athlete, but you quit. You didn't even walk home. Instead we hail your achievement. The Aussies might just be smirking.
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