True to the findings of Dweck's study, each of the hotbeds I visited used language that affirmed the value of effort and slow progress rather than innate talent or intelligence. At Spartak, for instance, they did not “play” tennis—they preferred the verb borot'sya—“fight” or “struggle.” South Korean golfers are exhorted to yun sup'he, which translates (to Nike's possible delight) as “just do it.” In Curaçao the nine-to ten-year olds play in the Liga Vraminga, the Little Ant League; the watchword is progresa, “baby steps.” In Brazilian soccer the age levels are the Bottle (five- and six-year
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