Anybody who doesn’t think that the Winter Olympics are exciting hasn’t been paying attention. And that doesn’t include the fact that Jim Lampley and his perfect hair hosted Saturday afternoon and the early Sunday proceedings.
Shani Davis. This U.S. speed skater became the first black athlete to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics when he finished first in the 1000-meter speed skating final. It would have been nice if Davis didn’t act like an ass during his post race interview with Melissa Stark. Davis doesn’t seem to realize that he will only hurt himself if he continues along the path of recalcitrance. He may have a grudge against the U.S. skating hierarchy and his teammates – we don’t really care - but the best revenge would be for him to be “Mr. Personality” so advertisers and consumers become his de facto “teammates.” U.S. skating won’t make a penny for him, but sports fans can make him rich beyond belief. And he’ll never get another chance to make a first impression.
Showoff Snowboarder. American Lindsey Jacobellis – the favorite to win the first ever women’s Olympic snowboard cross - hot-dogged her way out of a sure Olympic gold medal. Leading by a country mile, Jacobellis decided to pull a Sports Center-worthy showoff move as she went over one of the last two jumps on the course, just before crossing the finish line. She fell….oops. And lost her gold medal as a result. Dumb move. But cut her a break. She’s just a kid. And she has grown up watching others become famous by showing off. Maybe she just thought that she was doing what she was supposed to do, and that being the best meant that you have to/can showoff. Wrong. So she learned a harsh lesson and she will forever serve as an example to other kids of what happens when you showboat. That’s the worst punishment that there can be for an athlete.
Article comments
1 - The Theory
I thought that Shani Davis' post-race interview was amazing. I laughed really hard at that.
I don't think he'll have any trouble with popularity with anyone except Chad Hedrick, who comes away looking like a whining cry-baby.
Oh, and regarding Lindsay Jacobellis... it was definitely a rookie-esque mistake. However, she should learn from it and I think she'll be back in 4 years. And i really respect the way NBC pointed out the mistake without totally cruicifying her for it. Most people and news organizations would not be so kind.
2 - sal m
hopefully shani will lighten up and get what he deserves...he seems to have a lot to offer...and i agree that hedrick is coming across like a bit of a baby...he should just worry about winning his races and act like a man.
3 - Natalie Davis
Lighten up; that's rich. Let Shani be Shani. Perhaps he doesn't want or need to be Mr. Personality, and more power to him. I enjoyed watching Melissa Stark's consternation. She can suck eggs, AFAIC, and while I adore Bob Costas, so can he.