Olympics - Medal Presentations

I happened to turn on the TV today just as they were presenting the flower bouquets to Sven Kramer, Seung-Hoon Lee and Ivan Skobrev for the Men's 5000m Speed Skating. It left a bad taste.

The medal ceremonies have always been one of my favourite moments of the Olympics. The joy of the athlete, the tears of joy, the emotions of the fans watching at the venue, the national anthem, the millions watching on TV in their home country likely all choked up as well. What makes them particular poignant is that they come shortly after the events. The athletes and the crowds still have the adrenaline flowing through their veins. The memories are fresh. The closeness of the finish, the slight tug or push from your fellow athletes, the pain in your thighs, the nerves. For the crowd this also holds true - the emotion and energy of cheering on with your thousands of fellow fans at the venue, or your buddies in front of a television.

The ceremony. The anthem, the quiet, the emotion, the tears. A great way to cap the day for the athletes and fans around the world.

But not today....they got a bouquet. For the medals, the pomp, the anthem they will need to wait more than twenty-four hours, go to a different venue altogether, and stand in front of a different crowd. Too bad.

Let me know what you think about what you have just read. Please and thanks!

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