For countries needing a boost in their self-confidence, the Olympics still offer a rare opportunity to shine on the world stage and instill some national pride.
Winning Isn’t Everything, But It Helps

Register for free to read more articles every month.
Find out about our membership plans.
Already a member? Please log in here.
Register for free to read 5 articles from the past month.
Find out about our membership plans.
Already a member? Please log in here.
You have reached a premium content area of TOL. To read this entire article please login if you are already a TOL subscriber.
Not a subscriber?
Subscribe today for access to:
Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles).
This site, like many others, uses small files called cookies to help us improve and customize your experience. Learn more about how we use cookies in our cookie policy.