12/21/24
February 14, 2002
Jayaram Khadka,: a Nepalese cross-country skiier, raised by an eccentric English computer millionaire, finished 82nd in the 10km classical race. Isaac Menyoli, who came in 83rd and last is from Cameroon, via Milwaukee.
I saw the piece on Khadka this afternoon. When I see these heartwarming stories, my first question is "which world class athlete didn't get to go to the Olympics so this guy can be here?" In Khadka's case, it sounds like he actually met some qualifying standards, but limiting the number of competitors per country means contenders get left out every time, while less talented athletes from obscure countries get to participate. I would much prefer to see all the best athletes going at it for the gold than seeing some terrified guy snowplowing down the downhill course.
posted by neuroshred at 03:37 PM on February 14, 2002
I disagree. As long as the athletes who are likely to medal get to participate, it's better to include more countries, and athletes from different backgrounds. There's enough major competitions for the top athletes (world championships, etc.). The Olympics are about more than just celebrating excellence. Go Brazilian bobsledders!
posted by liam at 03:49 PM on February 14, 2002
Fascinating story.
posted by RGarraud at 04:29 PM on February 14, 2002
Utterly brilliant. Thanks for posting these links. I remember vaguely the story of trying to persuade British immigration tio let him stay in the country, but I had heard no more about it. If this was written in a novel you just wouldn't believe it was possible.
posted by salmacis at 05:17 PM on February 14, 2002
I'm agreed with liam- Eddie The Eagle will always be in our memories; the nth+1 Austrian jumper that year would have been just another guy who didn't medal. There are already plenty of those.
posted by tieguy at 05:48 PM on February 14, 2002
Oops. Can't link to Menyoli's official bio, but here's a Time magazine interview with him.