Ohno Back on Track
Sunday February 26, 2006
The Palavela was rocking as Apolo
Ohno confounded everyone, including many of his critics, by jumping
into the lead before the first turn of the Men's 500 Meter Short Track
race last night and never relinquishing it to take the gold.Not bad for a guy who almost didn't make it to the final, having to depend on Li Jiajun's disqualification for a spot. [race report]
Korean skater Hyun-Soo Ahn met him at center ice to offer congratulations. Ahn took the Bronze.
Later, Ohno helped the US got a bronze in the 5000 meter relay, an event dominated by the Koreans and Canadians, who duked it out for the gold while Ohno passed the Italian skater on the last turn for the bronze.
The event at the Palavela was more popular than even the figure skating, meaning more expensive ticket prices. Loud and crazy fans got their money's worth.
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Apolo Ohno Picture 1 | Ohno Picture 2
Comments
Wow! What a great thing it was to see Apolo Ohno’s sheer joy at winning the “perfect race” he said he’s longed for for years. And he was just as thrilled to be able to be part of the successful U.S. relay team afterwards–I was moved by his devotion to his teammates and his delight at sharing the team’s success. What a great guy! And he knows the words to the national anthem, and knows to put his hand over his heart when it is played. What a hero!
And here’s a typical NBC reporter’s idiotic reaction:
“Well,” she said to Apolo, ” you’ve won a gold medal now–so are you planning to retire?” What was she thinking? I’m ready for a new TV reality show where a group of NBC Olympics commentators and reporters compete and are criticized by athletes, and gradually eliminated (”auf weidersein!”) until only Dick Buttons and Bob Costas remain to duke it out to the finish. And they have to give their critiques of Olympics athletes while skating, dressed in ice-dancing costumes–the most flamboyant styles–chosen by the Torino Olympics figure skaters.
Apollo’s ‘win’ was aided by a false start (the one nobody saw after the two that the officials did see). Have a look at the video again and you’ll see that he moved before the gun went off. He should be disqualified!! Wonder how much the Americans paid the starter?
Tim, you need to get a life! Apolo did NOT have a false start, Americans are not paying the starters any money, and what counrty were you rooting for anyway? Oh, and by the way, learn to spell!
me, it’s spelled ‘country’.
That’s right, as Toby Keith might say, ‘we’ll stick a boot in yer ass’.
Wow…im surprised you can actually read if ur listening to toby keith!!!! try to be a little more explanatory during your comments next time marty.
I just hate the fact that NBC always minimize the performance of the athletes of other countries. During figure skating, both Arakawa and Slutskaya performed spectacularly (albeit Slutskaya’s fall), yet NBC focused 95% on Sasha Cohen (who also did a spectacular job). In short-track coverage, this gets worse. Throughout the entire coverage of Olympics, NBC’s attitude was that ‘well, South Korea’s so good, it’s expected that Ahn wins the gold.’ This disgusts me. Not only does that trivialize the South Korean skater’s hard effort, it also insults Apolo Ohno because NBC is holding an attitude that ‘it’s incredible that he even won a medal!’ when he is one of the best skaters in the world right now.
I really hope that in Beijing and Vancouver, NBC will provide more balanced and fair coverage of the games. I mean, at least adhere to the intent of the Olympic games…