February 26, 2006

Now that's the (Olympic) spirit: "How can you be proud of a medal if you win when someone else's equipment is not working? You have to help." [via Metachat]

posted by scully to other at 10:52 PM - 9 comments

I'm surprised he didn't get more stick.

posted by JJ at 07:23 AM on February 28, 2006

that's awesome. at first i thought the link would be about Eugenio Monti.

posted by goddam at 08:16 AM on February 28, 2006

I would much rather read an article like this than one highlighting an Olympians transgressions. Class cannot be taught but is learned early in life by example.

posted by kosmicdebris at 08:25 AM on February 28, 2006

I'm surprised the American media took this long to get on the story. Us Canucks were talking about it right after the race finished. It is a good thing and probably should have gotten more play by the American media. Then again, it didn't involve anyone FROM the USA, so why would NBC give a damn.

posted by grum@work at 08:32 AM on February 28, 2006

BREAKING NEWS: Having seen that his was all shot to hell, Austrian ski sensation Benni Raich offered to lend Bode Miller some professionalism. Miller is reported to have replied "Professionalism? What's that, like, a cocktail?" [/cheap shot]

posted by JJ at 09:37 AM on February 28, 2006

Absolutely freakin' brilliant. If it wasn't for the food, I'd move to Norway.

posted by The_Black_Hand at 11:19 AM on February 28, 2006

Love that, JJ.

posted by Amateur at 12:13 PM on February 28, 2006

Yeah, I wanted to comment on this when the post was first made. I think we can all agree this move was pure class, although it's interesting the Norwegian cross-country skiier who ended up in 4th wasn't quoted in this article. Maybe not everyone was thrilled? But certainly the Canadians and Norwegians in general appreciated this fine showing. As is typical of people who do the right thing so casually, this coach acts a little surprised that the rest of us find it so unusual- sadly, it's because so few of us would ever do the same. I appreciate the sportsmanship greatly, and the notion of "we wouldn't deserve to win if it takes a freak mishap or equipment failure to knock out our competition" is such a healthy way to play sports. It is true that without that equipment failure, the Norwegians probably don't medal anyway, so it all ended as it should have. It's stuff like this that emodies what the Olympic spirit is really about: camraderie and friendly competition among nations and individuals.

posted by hincandenza at 03:12 PM on February 28, 2006

we wouldn't deserve to win if it takes a freak mishap or equipment failure to knock out our competition" I've tried to claim equipment failure in the past and it never....oh...wait a minute....wrong blog...sorry about that.

posted by commander cody at 03:32 PM on February 28, 2006

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