Sports Letters: Loving losers

Tuesday 20 July 1999 23:02 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Jean Van de Velde's lost opportunities in the Open will cement his name forever in British minds. We take losers to our hearts more than winners: just look at Jana Novotna and Greg Norman, who both threw away commanding leads at Wimbledon and the Masters respectively that will forever overshadow their achievements. There is something to be said for the British attitude that gives Greg Rusedski and Damon Hill the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award for coming second. This may be the reason why we have so few sporting heroes: we applaud losers too much. If Van de Velde has a hard time in France, he should move to this country where he would get a hero's welcome.

MATTHEW MORRIS

London

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Sports Letters: Loving losers

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering