As an American, it is not strange to me! There is a long cultural tradition, going back to the Greeks or the English, putting an emphasis on "sportsmanship" an

As an American, it is not strange to me! There is a long cultural tradition, going back to the Greeks or the English, putting an emphasis on "sportsmanship" and athleticism. Besides hard work, most sports put an emphasis on competing within a framework of rules, teamwork, and discipline. I am not athletic or particularly interested in sports, but I think a love of sports is good for society. Excellence in academics, wealth, beauty are obviously really valued in our society as well. Most Americans value hard work in academics-- look what we spend on education!