Though it is lovely to see that extra fillip of class in the KnC (Javi and Yuzu, when skating back to back, cheering each other on from there comes to mind) I do think that's the one time they have to be given a bit of leeway if they can't entirely hide negative emotions, if they make an incautious face, break down, and yes even swear - coming as they are off an adrenaline high, exhausted, emotionally overwrought etc and with cameras and mikes zoomed in eager to catch any slip up... I doubt I could always smile sweetly at that precise time.
And then they're herded into a press conference where they know (or all too quickly learn) that the questions are likely to be loaded AND any badly chosen words are going to be translated and then misinterpreted, and misinterpreted in a range of languages yet.
As for being available for fans, whether in the stands, outside the rink etc, it's a difficult one. The ones at the very top can get mobbed, a few even have stalkers. It's not a sign of lack of class if they don't - or simply can't - be as open to fans as we'd sometimes like.
And then they're herded into a press conference where they know (or all too quickly learn) that the questions are likely to be loaded AND any badly chosen words are going to be translated and then misinterpreted, and misinterpreted in a range of languages yet.
As for being available for fans, whether in the stands, outside the rink etc, it's a difficult one. The ones at the very top can get mobbed, a few even have stalkers. It's not a sign of lack of class if they don't - or simply can't - be as open to fans as we'd sometimes like.