In the blink of an eye

With all the Winter Olympics hoopla, I've noticed something while reading about it in the newspapers: Athletes are only loved as long as they're winning the medals.
In Sweden, certain female athletes in the biathlon event were predicted to be a sure bet for a medal of some sort, perhaps even the gold. Unfortunately they're not doing so well, at least not in comparison to what their fellow countrymen were expecting. So, what happens...

The adulation turns to "Awww...she's washed out...she won't win a medal."
People have basically given up on her already.

Do we need to have superheroes to believe in? Amazing athletes who can accomplish what most of us could only dream of. And when they fail, people are so disappointed, because perhaps they somehow identify with these competitors, and when they fail, it's as if they themselves have failed too. Their defeat brings disgrace and shame over an entire country. Man, it can't be easy being a professional athlete. Imagine having all that anticipation and hope placed upon your shoulders. Then if you don't live up to it, the public is quick to turn on you.
I just find it fascinating how quickly the public's view can change. Sports enthusiasts are a fickle bunch aren't they.

In the blink of an eye.