Sunday, February 21, 2010

Seventh Medal

Last night, Apolo Ono won his seventh Olympic medal, becoming the most decorated Winter Olympian in US history.

Mens 1000M Short Track Speed Skating - Vancouver 2010

He is now ahead of Bonnie Blair, who has 6, and Eric Heiden, who has 5.

Olympic Winter Games - Short Track Speed Skating

They were speed skaters, too.

Short Track Speed Skating - Day 9

Now, some may say Apolo's accomplishment isn't as great as Bonnie and Eric's were.


Olympic Winter Games - Short Track Speed Skating

After all, Eric's medals were all gold. While five of Bonnie's were gold, and one was silver. Apolo only has two gold medals. He also has two silver and three bronze medals.

Mens 1000M Short Track Speed Skating - Vancouver 2010

But the thing about it is, Bonnie and Eric skated alone. For the most part.

Short Track Speed Skating - Day 9

Apolo skates short track, with as many as 7 other skaters on the same ice.

Short Track Speed Skating - Day 9

With all the pushing and shoving that goes along with such a crowded oval.

Short Track Speed Skating - Day 9

It's a lot harder that way.

Short Track Speed Skating

So, though he may have fewer gold medals

Short Track Speed Skating

he is just as much a champion as anyone.

Sports News - February 21, 2010

And that is as it should be.

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2 comments:

Perpetual Beginner said...

I agree. To be as consistently at or near the top in as rough and tumble a sport as short-track, shows a serious fortitude and some serious athleticism.

One of the things I love about short-track (and also about the similar snow cross and ski cross) is that collisions, falls and other mishaps are so common, and the results therefore so unpredictable, that you just don't see the sense of entitlement (I deserve a gold) in their participants the way you can in more predictable sports. You just don't get to the top in races like these without realizing that anyone can go down.

Becky G said...

Cindy, I totally agree. That's what makes short track so exciting. Any one can win any race.