That is partly a cultural thing though, isn't it? I went to the USA as a camp counsellor in the 80s and was really stuck by the difference in attitude to winnin

That is partly a cultural thing though, isn't it? I went to the USA as a camp counsellor in the 80s and was really stuck by the difference in attitude to winning and losing between the UK and US. In the UK it is generally considered ok to lose at sport, as long as you give it your best and conduct yourself in a sportsman-like manner. The US attitude (on my camp, at least) seemed to be to win at all costs. During the final week of sports competition at the camp, the boys would be so psyched up that the losing team would almost always burst into tears. Even the 15 year olds. Not all what you would expect in the UK.