Yeah it's an Asian thing. Their sport and who they represent is bigger than themselves. They uphold themselves to that standard. The debasing is motivation to get back and grind. I'm Asian and I've noticed this difference in athletes. Especially since I also watch the NBA.

Sometimes the ego is also necessary to reach godhood.

I watched it a few times and I realised he didn't really push the guy. He was diving for the torch. Split second race and he already planned when to leap for the torch. Which ended up looking like he was pushing