BUILDING A HERO FOR TIMES OF CRISIS IN URUGUAY: MILTON WYNANTS' OLYMPIC MEDAL NARRATED IN THE SANDUCERA PRESSAbstract
In the early 2000s, Uruguay faced an unprecedented economic crisis. The atmosphere of apprehension and distress began to transform into hope and pride on September 20 when Milton Wynants, an experienced cyclist from Paysandú, secured second place in the track cycling race at the Sydney Olympic Games. This article explores the construction of a heroic figure by the local press of Paysandú around Wynants, providing an ideal contrast to the national crisis context. Initially, the press did not consider this achievement possible, but his victory triggered an epic discourse, elevating him to a sports hero. The article concludes that there has been a symbolic transformation of his image and a cultural transformation to build this imaginary narrative.
Keywords
Sports History; Uruguay; Olympism; Sports Hero