The best in the world: On competition and cultural diversity

When we reached the woodchop we looked at the line-up and knew it was the old boys - the vets. There they all were, quietly lined up before their stumps. None impatient, most carrying guts. One or two looked well over sixty, the age to qualify as a veteran. Most were in sleeved shirts. They milled around, waiting the ten minutes in quietness that didn't look anything like preparation for a world championship.