I would not say that there is little competition. These are amazing sportsmen and -women: those handball players, waterpolo players, let alone kayak, kenu. For me, much more remarkable than some (or most) footballers, many of whom are just overpaid blokes on a field (see NB1).
I was listening to interviews with swimmers - my goodness, their life is brutal! Every day, from early age, waking up at 5, training early in the morning, then school, then more training, for years on end, every day... Amazing. But otherwise, given the quality of the competition, no way to get anywhere near the top.
And think that, meanwhile, these are not million-dollar-paid stars, but they do it for the sport, for the colors, for the nation, for themselves, and out of passion.
What I really like about European countries is that these sportpeople are really respected, and they become public heroes and role models. Like Egerszegi Krisztina.
Yes, although these are just kids, I have learned a lot just by listening to them talk about their life and work.
