"Glory, hard work, commitment, passion, or, is it bollocks?

1) Sports where British competitors were successful.

Swimming.
There's no doubt that Rebecca Adlington is good at what she does, but, given the vast number of "different" swimming "events" and the fact that most countries don't challenge in the sport, then a few medals in swimming now and then is barely worth a mention.

Cycling.
A triumph for technology and the policy of dumping almost all cyclists to favour one or two top-class peformers. It is a method for winning races, but not for making the sport a participation sport.

Rowing/sailing.
Posh boys and girls competing in sports where only a small handful of countries try to win.

2) Hard work.
Chris Hoy epitomises what can be achieved if you push yourself. But, with the big sponsorship that he has recieved, he has the time, facilities and coaching to help him considerably. He still has to work, but then so do dockers, miners and firemen.
A common myth propagated by the BOA and their fluffers, the BBC, is of penniless sportspeople working in low paid jobs and training at four o'clock in the morning - the reality is a poshie living in their parents' house (free of rent, bills, etc.) getting up at four o'clock because it is quiet then, doing the training, and then returning to bed.

3) Focus, passion, etc.
The focus and passion of a Big Brother contestant. A gold medal leads to riches from sponsorship, advertising and whoring oneself on TV.