Really nice story and so wonderful that she was able to close the parenthesis in such an elegant way. There have been other world champions and world record holders who never won a gold. Jim Ryun immediately comes to mind. Any others?
I sort of loved that she "lost" gold that way, as it was so true to the sport. I was actually thinking of her last night watching the Big Air, as the last few skiers needed a near perfect score to catch the leader. So, if the put down a good, safe jump, they would have a good chance to medal but almost no chance to win gold. Every skier chose to go for gold, crashed, and finished out of the medals. I was so proud of all of them.
This was beautiful writing, Joe. That last paragraph....
I was one of the millions who were positively outraged when she "lost" her gold medal back in 2006. How dare she try to have fun as a 20-year-old about to achieve something we all dream of?! And in a sport that no one knew even existed before then!!
Impressive that she has stuck with the sport so long, and can still win at the highest level.
I’m glad she got a gold. 16 years ago? I remember watching that crash like it was yesterday. Serious question here: is anyone actually watching these Olympics? Ive got my personal boycott going since it’s China, but feel like I haven’t really missed anything either.
Still watching (since 1980) and still enjoying. The drama, the elite validating their greatness, the underdog surprises, the sheer joy of the young, the relief and fulfillment of a veteran's completed medal chase, the variety of sports that require different skills and abilities. One thing I miss is the shared experience due to the decline in viewership - something to have in common with those who normally watch different sports and even those who normally don't watch sports at all, and in these times something that could have transcended socio-political differences. Maybe that will rebound for the next few which are hosted by France, Italy and USA.
Nathan Chen, for sure. I admit I'm not a skating fan, or anything like it, but his long program was insane. I looked at the points he was getting as a base (which is based on degree of difficulty) and it was a full level above the #2 guy. Now, mind you, the #2 & a couple of guys beyond that had tough programs. But nothing like Chen. And then he goes out and nails it. His win was the equivalent of a 55-3 Super Bowl win. And I don't get the China boycott btw. It's not hurting China that you're not watching. If anything, some of the reporting on human rights abuse, because people are watching, might have some impact (and maybe not). That's the thing about boycotts. They generally are pointed at the wrong people and are carried out by a tiny number of people. They are just ineffective.
Often True about boycotts. My not watching the Olympics won’t effect China at all- and really not NBC. But I feel better, knowing at least I’m not ignoring their policies. And my personal boycott doesn’t hurt anyone. Who knows, maybe when China has an Olympics again in 10 years or so, NBC will pay them less money. But in any case, I’m not going to support anything China does. Which hurts, because visiting China had always been on my bucket list.
I too am boycotting because of China. Perhaps pointless, but it’s frustrating to hear about all the stuff that is happening. If I’m in the kitchen sometimes other household members are watching what has been recorded. I’ve been pretty oblivious, but today heard the announcer who does the cross country ski events going crazy at the end. He’s so fun to listen to. I think I’ll miss the biathlon the most
Another one of your best ever stories! Amazing!
Really nice story and so wonderful that she was able to close the parenthesis in such an elegant way. There have been other world champions and world record holders who never won a gold. Jim Ryun immediately comes to mind. Any others?
Mary Decker, Steve Prefontaine
Nice. Think Jacobellis might remind you that, “It ain’t over yet, Joe.”
Thank you!
I sort of loved that she "lost" gold that way, as it was so true to the sport. I was actually thinking of her last night watching the Big Air, as the last few skiers needed a near perfect score to catch the leader. So, if the put down a good, safe jump, they would have a good chance to medal but almost no chance to win gold. Every skier chose to go for gold, crashed, and finished out of the medals. I was so proud of all of them.
This was beautiful writing, Joe. That last paragraph....
For those of you (like me) who don't remember that moment from 2006:
https://www.nbcolympics.com/videos/torino-2006-lindsey-jacobellis-takes-sbx-silver-after-crash
And if you missed it, video of her win. What an athlete!
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/beijing-winter-olympics/watch-lindsey-jacobellis-turin-2006-stumble-and-her-redemption-gold-in-beijing/3542928/
Thank you. Exactly what I was going to look for after reading these comments.
Great story. Thanks Joe. Exactly why I subscribe (among a myriad of other reasons, of course).
Love the poem. Didn't remember that from Boys of Summer. Of course, I read that when I was about 20 :-)
A great piece Joe.
Wonderfully written. Had forgotten about her.
I was one of the millions who were positively outraged when she "lost" her gold medal back in 2006. How dare she try to have fun as a 20-year-old about to achieve something we all dream of?! And in a sport that no one knew even existed before then!!
Impressive that she has stuck with the sport so long, and can still win at the highest level.
I’m glad she got a gold. 16 years ago? I remember watching that crash like it was yesterday. Serious question here: is anyone actually watching these Olympics? Ive got my personal boycott going since it’s China, but feel like I haven’t really missed anything either.
Still watching (since 1980) and still enjoying. The drama, the elite validating their greatness, the underdog surprises, the sheer joy of the young, the relief and fulfillment of a veteran's completed medal chase, the variety of sports that require different skills and abilities. One thing I miss is the shared experience due to the decline in viewership - something to have in common with those who normally watch different sports and even those who normally don't watch sports at all, and in these times something that could have transcended socio-political differences. Maybe that will rebound for the next few which are hosted by France, Italy and USA.
Nathan Chen, for sure. I admit I'm not a skating fan, or anything like it, but his long program was insane. I looked at the points he was getting as a base (which is based on degree of difficulty) and it was a full level above the #2 guy. Now, mind you, the #2 & a couple of guys beyond that had tough programs. But nothing like Chen. And then he goes out and nails it. His win was the equivalent of a 55-3 Super Bowl win. And I don't get the China boycott btw. It's not hurting China that you're not watching. If anything, some of the reporting on human rights abuse, because people are watching, might have some impact (and maybe not). That's the thing about boycotts. They generally are pointed at the wrong people and are carried out by a tiny number of people. They are just ineffective.
Often True about boycotts. My not watching the Olympics won’t effect China at all- and really not NBC. But I feel better, knowing at least I’m not ignoring their policies. And my personal boycott doesn’t hurt anyone. Who knows, maybe when China has an Olympics again in 10 years or so, NBC will pay them less money. But in any case, I’m not going to support anything China does. Which hurts, because visiting China had always been on my bucket list.
I too am boycotting because of China. Perhaps pointless, but it’s frustrating to hear about all the stuff that is happening. If I’m in the kitchen sometimes other household members are watching what has been recorded. I’ve been pretty oblivious, but today heard the announcer who does the cross country ski events going crazy at the end. He’s so fun to listen to. I think I’ll miss the biathlon the most
Part of me wishes I were boycotting, but I'm watching...Nathan Chen, that guy is something!
Well, you missed that.... So did I, but I understand the boycott.