What I’ve found interesting, as a geographer, is how many of the athletes live, train, attend college or attended college in the US. Even 12 years ago I don’t think it was like this. I know my university (Albany) recruits tennis players from Eastern Europe and there’s a junior college here in Maine (Fort Kent) that has a majority-Jamaican track team. Both sides seem happy with the arrangement, but how many professors do a dozen Bulgarian and Romanian tennis players cost you?
Good question. It makes sense though: universities here in France don't have sports teams, facilities, etc. My stepson is starting at the biggest university in Lyon next month and he will continue playing American football (of all things) the same way he has up until now: through a private club that rents training facilities. For Olympic level athletes, there has to be enormous appeal in doing University and sports at the same time US style.
No Snoop Dog!? No gymnastics!? This was so interesting, thanks, Jean! Loved reading this perspective and learning about the different media focus you're experiencing.
What I’ve found interesting, as a geographer, is how many of the athletes live, train, attend college or attended college in the US. Even 12 years ago I don’t think it was like this. I know my university (Albany) recruits tennis players from Eastern Europe and there’s a junior college here in Maine (Fort Kent) that has a majority-Jamaican track team. Both sides seem happy with the arrangement, but how many professors do a dozen Bulgarian and Romanian tennis players cost you?
Good question. It makes sense though: universities here in France don't have sports teams, facilities, etc. My stepson is starting at the biggest university in Lyon next month and he will continue playing American football (of all things) the same way he has up until now: through a private club that rents training facilities. For Olympic level athletes, there has to be enormous appeal in doing University and sports at the same time US style.
No Snoop Dog!? No gymnastics!? This was so interesting, thanks, Jean! Loved reading this perspective and learning about the different media focus you're experiencing.