U.S. goes for gold
Photo Credit: Courtesy of http://winter2010olympics.net
This year’s 2010 winter Olympics’ gold medal
March 3, 2010 • Mimi Richards
Filed under News & Features
It only comes around every four years but it’s been around for the past eighty-six years; it’s been on three different continents and in different countries around the world. What is it? That’s right, the 2010 Winter Olympics.
The United States gave an amazing performance while competing with the other extremely talented athletes, but no other country stood a chance when it cames to snowboarding, speed skating, and figure skating.
Ripping apart the slopes was none other than the “flaming tomato,” better known as Shaun White. White’s performance couldn’t have been any better at the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver. He set the standards high for other competitors by doing the double McTwist 1260 in his first run.
“I think about how many times I have done that run in my mind, and to land it here feels incredible. Now I can go to sleep,” White told ESPN reporter Alyssa Roenigk. This incredible display of talent certainly paid off, earning him gold for the men’s snowboarding half-pipe.
Hannah Teter and Kelly Clark also excelled in the women’s half-pipe, earning the United States bronze and silver medals. Although the standards weren’t as high for women’s half-pipe, simply staying off the ground ensured a high score from the judges. Teter and Clark tried their hardest on every run and their persistence paid off in the end.
Another dominator in the snowboarding competition was two-time gold medalist Seth Wescott. Wescott earned his second Olympic gold medal during the snowboard cross event, but all the excitement lead him to do some crazy things. Wescott pretty much got kicked out of Vancouver for flaunting his medals too close to his genitals and having girls kiss them promiscuously. Although he made our country proud by winning gold, the positive fame was short lived.
Spectators couldn’t blink because they might miss the chance to see the glorious Apolo Ohno zipping by. Ohno specializes in the short-track 1000 meter and, after earning silver because of two clumsy Koreans, Ohno was on a roll. With six Olympic medals total, Ohno knew it would be a breeze snatching up number seven with his next event. Easier said than done – with two fast Koreans in the lead and two Canadians on his tail, Ohno barely managed to stay on his feet. Nonetheless, he was able to conquer the Canadians and get bronze giving him a grand total of seven Olympic medals, which he proudly showed to his fans on his hands while holding the American flag.
Tucking her knees, keeping her legs together and flying down the slopes was all it took for Hannah Kearney to win the first gold medal ever in the 2010 Winter Olympics, and it was for the U.S. The women’s mogul is one of the more difficult events because it involves a lot of speed and muscle strength. Kearney kept it together while most women fell down the bumpy slope due to lack of control. “I know Canada hasn’t won a gold medal on their home turf, but I have a feeling they’ll do it in these games…..I’m pleased that I could stop that for now,” Hannah told the Associated Press after her phenomenal performance winning gold.
How about the more delicate side of the Olympics? Figure skater Evan Lysacek is the first American to win gold for men’s singles since 1988. His performance was flawless and he nailed eight triples, including an opening triple-triple combination and two axles to scored 167.37 for the free skate and 257.67 overall. “I probably knew it was my best skate ever,” Lysacek confidently said, “It was not just one section of the program that was strong, but it was strong from start to finish and I guess that was key tonight.”
The 2010 U.S. Olympic teams gave an amazing performance; the U.S. won more medals than any of the other countries. The seven people highlighted are just a few who tested their talents in the 2010 winter Olympics.
In four short years, Russia will host the 2014 winter Olympics. If the U.S. athletes’ performance this year is any indicator of what we can expect in four years, the 2014 Olympics are sure to be a memorable event that shouldn’t be overlooked.
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