- 20.03.2025
The Cult of Athletic Excellence
Sports achievements, especially when it comes to approaching such symbolic records as Ovetchkin's record, create the image of a champion that evokes deep emotional experiences and an almost sacred admiration in fans. Such an athlete is perceived not merely as a talented competitor but as the embodiment of willpower, perseverance, and excellence that people long for. This results in the athlete’s personality being adorned with numerous symbolic and emotional characteristics, which become the subject of mass admiration and even ritualistic veneration.