<font color=yellow>Just watched the men's 1000m short track speed skating. There was a big wreck in the end, Apolo Anton Ohno was leading, he and others went down with a Korean, it was horrible. The Australian who was in last place ended up w/ gold, and Ohno slid across to silver, Canada with bronze. :(
But, they said Anton sustained a deep laceration in his leg in the crash. They don't know how bad it is or if he'll even be able to race in his 3 remaining races. [img]graemlins/verysad.gif[/img] </font>

I'm so sad...this is horrible [img]graemlins/crying.gif[/img]

Blame the Chineese, he should have been DQ in the semi-final! Go Australia, a most interesting victory [img]smile.gif[/img]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Ryanamur:
Go Australia, a most interesting victory [img]smile.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote>

Very interesting considering he got in the finals by luck with a crash in the semis. Then he comes in from last to win gold in another crash...I just can't believe it. I really hope Anton's injury isn't serious!!

[ 02-16-2002: Message edited by: Fast Hands ]</p>

Well at least he has a good attitude about the whole thing.
It is a good thing that officials did not re-run the race or he might have lost with that cut!
As of right now he is still unsure that he will be able to skate on Wednesday but happy to have been able to compete and take the silver medal as well. He knows he did his best and it was obvious to everyone that saw the race that had the crash not have happened, he would have the Gold. [img]smile.gif[/img]

What great luck for the Aussie! :D

That is very true...so close though. Did you see him in an interview after the race, Moni? I didn't because they ran out of time or something.

EDIT---BTW, the full story for those who missed it is at http://www.msnbc.com/news/709098.asp

[ 02-17-2002: Message edited by: Fast Hands ]</p>

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Fast Hands:
That is very true...so close though. Did you see him in an interview after the race, Moni? I didn't because they ran out of time or something.

EDIT---BTW, the full story for those who missed it is at http://www.msnbc.com/news/709098.asp

[ 02-17-2002: Message edited by: Fast Hands ]<hr></blockquote>

Yes, he was wearing the silver medal and smiling from ear to ear. :D
They did not air the medals presentation here.
He's a happy kid tonight and hopefully we'll all get to see him race again on Wednesday. I hope he wins.

SAT WHAT???? Oh YES - an Aussie wins on the ice - how - by staying upright. I feel sorry for all the better skaters who deserved to win, but happy all the same for our guy. Just about to get my first sight of the race.

The MSNBC article states:

The sellout crowd of more than 15,424 booed loudly when Bradbury was shown as the winner.

That is just plain bad sportsmanship on the part of the crowd. Steven Bradbury may have had an amazing stroke of luck to win the gold, but he didn't deserve that sort of treatment.

Pang [img]graemlins/cat3.gif[/img]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Pangur Ban:
The MSNBC article states:

The sellout crowd of more than 15,424 booed loudly when Bradbury was shown as the winner.

That is just plain bad sportsmanship on the part of the crowd. Steven Bradbury may have had an amazing stroke of luck to win the gold, but he didn't deserve that sort of treatment.

Pang [img]graemlins/cat3.gif[/img] <hr></blockquote>

I agree .... it his not his fault that the skaters fell
it's just bad luck for them [img]tongue.gif[/img]
he did what he was supposed to do and completed the lap.

but they came all the way, all the money spent on the trip, all the effort put into it, and then fell on their @$$es in front of the cameras
:(

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Pangur Ban:
The sellout crowd of more than 15,424 booed loudly when Bradbury was shown as the winner.

That is just plain bad sportsmanship on the part of the crowd. Steven Bradbury may have had an amazing stroke of luck to win the gold, but he didn't deserve that sort of treatment.

<hr></blockquote>

<font color=orange>I agree as well. Bad sportsmanship displays bad character for a whole country. But, I do think Ohno himself has handled it well--he says and knows it is all part of his sport. Congrats to the Aussies on their first Winter Olympic gold!</font>

*Also, I heard Ohno had six stitches but his injury is not major. He will continue with practice today and will be able to race in his 3 remaining races beginning Wednesday [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img]