Can someone remind me what the difference is between the Olympics and the World Championships?Most Olympic events (such as gymnastics, swimming, figure skating, etc) have a World Championship counterparts. And I heard announcers say "such-and-such is a defending World Champion." What does all that mean?
In non-Olympic years, they have World Championships that are just like the Olympics in format, qualifying, etc. But they aren't as prestigious, obviously.
so, is it more prestigious to be a "World Champion" or an "Olympic gold medalist"?
World Championships = something for Olympians to do between the Olympics
I feel sorry for the athletes who peak between Olympics.
World Championships = Golden GlobesThe Olympics = The Academy Awards
>>302194Vanessa FerrariWorld champion in 2006, no medals in Beijing.
>>302188Probably Olympic Gold. Both feature almost the same competitors, but you will be far more well known for a silver in the Olympics than a championship elsewhere.