National

• sporting success has given Australians confidence to take on the risk of the world
• the media profiles prospective champions and scrutinises their pre-games performances in the lead up to the olympics
• e.g. at the 2000 olympics, cathy freeman ran the 400 metres knowing she bore the expectations of all Australians
• part of our national identity is tied up with Australians' perception that we are the 'underdog', a concept perpetuated through the media and Australian literature
• e.g. in 1983, the yacht Australia II won the America's Cup, breaking the United States' 132 year old winning streak
• the symbol of the nations fighting spirit became the boxing kangaroo, which was used to encourage nationalistic feelings
• e.g. in 2006, the Socceroos had made the finals tournament of the World Cup after 32 years. They earned the admiration of the country for their spirit and determination against their often higher profile opponents