Pressure to Win at All Costs by Dave Ferguson- Sports Fundamentalist. The Olympics are a time honored tradition where athletes represent their country as they take on the world in their respected sport. The entire world watches and cheers on the competition which puts an undue stress upon these athletes.  In some cases, failing to win the gold has caused athletes to receive death threats.Because of the pressure, the fundamentals of the games are compromised. In the past athletes have been caught using illegal enhancements to perform their best; and when they are caught they cause embarrassment towards themselves and their country.