Clapping for a teammate who took your spot is hard. Doing it anyway tells everyone what kind of person you are.

Losing a place to somebody you see every day is a strange kind of loss, and nobody expects you to feel generous about it. What people watch is what you do with the feeling. Applause offered while it still stings is unmistakable, because everyone in the gym knows what it cost you.

You can be honest with yourself and still say nice shot out loud. Keep working for your spot in practice rather than in conversation about the coach. If warmth is beyond you this week, start with fairness: no undermining, no quiet campaign.