Is history written by underdogs? A few months ago, Jamaica's squad could not afford to travel to the Women's World Cup. Now fairy tale wins make them contenders for the crown.
From crowdfunded campaign to knockout glory
Is history written by underdogs? A few months ago, Jamaica's squad could not afford to travel to the Women's World Cup. Now fairy tale wins make them contenders for the crown.
"We've been underestimated," says goalie Rebecca Spencer. Not anymore: Jamaica is unbeaten after holding Brazil to a goalless draw.
They have become the first-ever Caribbean team in the last 16. Tomorrow the Reggae Girlz face Colombia.
It's an amazing story. In 2008, the women's team had no funding. Singer Cedella Marley stepped in to get them to the 2019 World Cup.1
Four years later, they are struggling again. But they have raised money from a GoFundMe set up by the mother of midfielder Havana Solaun.
It's a "Cinderella story," writes "proud Jamaican" and "even prouder mother" Sandra Phillips-Brower.
"History is written by the winners." It's a saying wrongly attributed to Winston ChurchillThe British prime minister during World War Two, and later from 1951 to 1955. , but repeated in different forms since ancient times.2 Most underdogs do not win and the stronger side records what happens.
For example: Christopher Columbus. In 1504, the explorer used his sky charts to predict a lunar eclipseWhen the Sun, Moon and Earth align so that the Moon's light is blocked. . According to Columbus, this convinced the indigenousEthnic groups who are the original or earliest-known inhabitants of an area or country: for example, Native Americans in the USA. Arawak chiefs he was a god.
We will never know what the Arawaks really thought. They were almost entirely wiped out during European colonisationWhen one country or region is controlled by another. .
But sometimes, the underdog wins. In 1415, the outnumbered English army defeated the French at the Battle of Agincourt. In the greatest upset in English football, Leicester City defied the odds to top the Premier LeagueEngland's highest level of men's football. .
Their emblem is a fox. "The ultimate hero," writes fairy tale expert Victoria Anderson. "The little guy who outsmarts the giants on horseback." We love to support the underdog.
In one study, 88.1% rooted for the weaker of two basketball teams.3
From Jack and the Beanstalk to Alladin, the underdog is one of our favourite stories. And tomorrow Jamaica writes the next chapter of a legend in the making.
Is history written by underdogs?
Yes: History is about change. And these usually begin when the powerful are surprised by revolts, rebellions and revolutions from below. So without underdogs doing the unexpected, there would be no history.
No: This is the difference between fantasy and reality, a good story and actual history. We love hearing of underdogs winning because, most of the time, they don't. And history is written by the victors.
Or... If Jamaica goes on to win the World Cup and win again in four years, will they still be underdogs? The interesting thing about both sport and history is that no one remains a top dog forever.
Keywords
Winston Churchill - The British prime minister during World War Two, and later from 1951 to 1955.
Lunar eclipse - When the Sun, Moon and Earth align so that the Moon's light is blocked.
Indigenous - Ethnic groups who are the original or earliest-known inhabitants of an area or country: for example, Native Americans in the USA.
Colonisation - When one country or region is controlled by another.
Premier league - England's highest level of men's football.
From crowdfunded campaign to knockout glory
Glossary
Winston Churchill - The British prime minister during World War Two, and later from 1951 to 1955.
Lunar eclipse - When the Sun, Moon and Earth align so that the Moon's light is blocked.
Indigenous - Ethnic groups who are the original or earliest-known inhabitants of an area or country: for example, Native Americans in the USA.
Colonisation - When one country or region is controlled by another.
Premier league - England's highest level of men's football.