I don’t normally write about sport (or indeed, anything, these days) but I thought this was worth a moment.
The BBC is reporting today that Andy Murray’s defeat in the Wimbledon final was his “biggest disappointment yet” because he played better than ever before. And I have no doubt he feels that way.
That’s our culture that does that, not logic or common sense: the better you do and the harder you work, the bigger a disappointment it is when you fail.
Why? Is this a good thing?
I think there’s more than just a cultural aspect to it. If you try really hard for something, get invested in it, and really want it, you’re bound to be more disappointed if you don’t succeed – however proud you may be of your efforts.
Also, I think there’s a bit of a distinction between “being disappointed” and “being disappointed in” – one can be disappointed by the events that transpired and still be proud and not disappointed in the efforts or persons involved.
It’s actually his biggest achievement yet, so I think it makes little sense to call it a disappointment. Although I understand, in a sense: the disappointment refers to what was at stake. Losing in the semi-final simply loses you a place in the final, where losing in the final loses you the title. I don’t think it’s as much to do with effort as it is to do with what is at stake.