However, not all competitors feel quite so patriotic. The Team GB football squad came under fire when Welsh footballers Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy stood in silence as their team mates sang "God Save the Queen".
Although it is not clear whether the players were actively boycotting the anthem or simply felt awkward singing in front of the cameras, they were criticised by many in the media for not showing respect for their nation. Those with republican views argue that they can still represent their country without having to sing the pro-monarchy song.
But any British gold-medal athletes who sit on the fence over the issue now have an added incentive to project their voices loudly: British newspaper columnist Piers Morgan feels so passionate about the UK anthem that he has pledged to donate ￡1000 to a children」s hospital for every British athlete who sings during their gold medal ceremony.
Winning a gold medal can transform an athlete from a relative unknown to national hero, but it seems that failing to sing the national anthem - however bad their singing ability - could cause more embarrassment than staying silent.
Quiz 測驗 1. According to the article, what are 'plastic Brits'?
Athletes with dual nationality who choose to represent Great Britain.
2. What adjective means to be a supporter of your country?
Patriotic
3. What word describes someone who is anti-monarchist?
Republican
4. What expression is used to describe people who don't have a fixed opinion on something?
Sitting on the fence
5. What noun means 'awkwardness' or 'shame'?
Embarrassment
Glossary 词汇表 pride 自豪 national anthem 國歌 under the spotlight 成為眾人的注目焦點 performance 表現 tradition傳統 uniting 團結 glory 光榮，榮耀 etiquette禮節 political statement 政治聲明 embarrassed 尷尬的 allegiance 效忠，擁護 dual nationality 雙重國籍 patriotic 愛國的 boycotting 抵制 republican 共和（國）的 represent their country 代表他們的國家 pro-monarchy 支持君主立憲（制） passionate （充滿）熱情的 ceremony儀式 national hero 名族英雄
