Japanese figure skater, Rika Kihira, finished in fourth place in the recent international competition, leading to a heart-wrenching spectacle as she broke down in tears on the ice. Despite her impeccable performance, a slight lapse cost her the opportunity for a medal. Kihira is known for her hard work and dedication to the sport, making this result especially tough.

In Japan, figure skating is a popular and respected sport, and so athletes like Kihira are held in high esteem and their performances heavily scrutinized. The public empathizes with their highs and lows due to the intense nature of the sport and the high expectations athletes face. The dedication towards perfection and the calm response to failure reflect the societal norms in Japan.

In countries like the U.S. and EU, athletes' performances in high-pressure international competitions draw significant attention as well. Even though the sports of preference might differ, the emotional investment in athletes' performances and the empathy that the public feels when they miss out on medals is similar.