News Item: Jamaica Wins Gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Jamaican sprint legend, Usain Bolt, won the 100m gold at the Olympics finals in Rio, Brazil. Bolt, who is also the 100m sprint record-holder, achieved a time of 9.81 seconds at the Joao Havelange Stadium. He eased off to the finish line just ahead of Justin Gatlin, his American rival, who clocked a time of 9.89 seconds. Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse clocked 9.91 seconds (Kelner, 2016). Although Bolt started terribly, he came back strongly to overthrow Gatlin from the lead. Bolt’s win marks Olympic history because it was his unprecedented third consecutive crown at the 100m winners’ podium. He has not lost any race in the Olympics since 2008 and will attempt to win gold again in the 200m as well as 4 x 100m races later in the week. His previous best time was 9.88 seconds just before he was forced to forfeit his place in the Jamaican National Championships as a result of injury (Kelner, 2016). Gatlin arrived in Rio having the world’s quickest time this year, having registered a 9.80 sprint at the USA trials in Eugene (Kelner, 2016). This occurrence had set up the race in Rio for a nightmare scenario, with many seeing the race as pitting good against evil. This win is sure to place him among the world’s greatest ever athletes. This race had been widely popularized as the Bolt versus Gatlin matchup, more so because of Gatlin’s drug-tainted resume.
Theory: Social Identity Theory
The social identity theory explains why people become fanatic about a given sports team or sports personality. The social identity theory, upon application to sports fans, explains their behavior. According to this theory, people are motivated to act in ways that boost and maintain their self-esteem. The attainment of self-esteem is a perception of oneself as competent, attractive, morally and likeable as a person. These attributes make the person feel more attractive in the outside social world. It also makes it more desirable for other individuals to be in relationships with them (Hogg, van Knippenberg, & Rast, 2012). In the absence of self-esteem and the positivity that it brings in one’s life, one feels alone, and their isolation breeds deep anxiety. Sports may work to increase the individual’s self-esteem by affiliation and association. By wearing the colors of a given team, attending their games, knowing the names of their players as well as stats and positions, one begins to feel like they are integral to the team. Even when a given team or sports personality loses, the social identity theory indicates that the person is still likely to view the team with positivity because of the threat that the defeat can have on their self-esteem. There are two reactions to winning: BIRGing (Basking in Reflected Glory) and CORFing (Cutting Off Reflected Failure). The first reaction happens when a team or sports personality wins, while the latter occurs after a loss.
The Social Identity Theory may be applied to the news item above. Usain Bolt is a likeable and very dominant sports personality who has won the admiration of millions of fans across the globe. Many people adore him for his charm, good looks, and positive outlook on life. His animated celebrations have ignited worldwide admiration and garnered many fans. His fans have studied his methods, his dance moves, and even his demeanor. When Usain Bolt wins as he did in Rio, many fans basked in reflected glory. This action served to boost their self-esteems according to the Social Identity Theory. If he were to lose, many fans would deal with the loss by trying to praise him even in his loss because they do not want their esteems to suffer.
References
Hogg, M., van Knippenberg, D., & Rast, D. (2012). The social identity theory of leadership: Theoretical origins, research findings, and conceptual developments. European Review Of Social Psychology, 23(1), 258-304. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10463283.2012.741134
Kelner, M. (2016). Bolt wins third consecutive Olympic 100m gold medal at Rio 2016. Mail Online. Retrieved 15 August 2016, from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-3740687/Usain-Bolt-makes-history-Jamaican-wins-consecutive-Olympic-100m-gold-medal-Rio-2016.html
