An olympic quote for today

[dsc]

This is a quote from US figure skater Johnny Weir who finished 5th in the mens competition.

I don't think there should be one role model for all kids. I want to be a role model for kids who feel different and stifled, kids that I was like, kids who feel like they can't say what they want.

Would that more of our role models felt that way. Since Johnny is fairly young he may be on our team in Vancover in four years.

[joeybee12]

1. Nice quote, but the guy's gotta give up the shopping!

From what I read, it's an addiction!

You know, he never won the US title--that was Johnny Lycasek the past two years. Is he so well known in figure skating more for his flamboyancy?

[dsc]

3. He won 3 national titles

2004-2006. Olympics and worlds not so great. He evidently is a bit of a shopper. That can be an addiction too.

[sandnsea]

5. He's an amazing skater

He has the technical and a mystical, magical aspect too. Plushenko is near impossible to beat, but Weir is always in contention for silver when going up against him. Like Plushenko, Weir's unforgettable, that's the mark of a truly great skater.

[dsc]

7. I just wish he could get the quad worked out

He loses bucket loads of points on that one thing alone.

[trotsky]

2. He can act like an ass sometimes,

but I do like his perspective on a lot of things.

[MadMaddie]

4. This is a great quote....

I also thought the black speed skater....showed some dignity. Some people are pissed at him but he did something that many wouldn't think of doing....

The kid was snubbed..by the other skaters and by the media, people are mad because he wasn't what they wanted to see. He ended up going to Canada to train because he wasn't welcome to join the American skaters because he was different. He was the outsider until they wanted something from him...something they couldn't get on their own...

America expects the creative personalities, the minorities and everyone else that doesn't fit into their mold of what an American is to give up their identity to belong. I say we shouldn't have to...that is what makes America great!!

[dsc]

6. the black guy got his due in the end though

and I am very glad he did.

[MadMaddie]

8. Yes he did!!

He's a good kid!!:bounce:

[sandnsea]

10. Shani Davis

I relate to his story quite well. We were involved in USA Boxing, and sports are just as political as anything else. Hard to believe, but true. Judges get to know certain athletes and some do end up sort of annointed and judging can be slanted because of it. And slanted against others. Tonya Harding comes to mind, before the kneecapping. So I can see how that situation played out. I also would make a bet that if the Bushboy hadn't had his gold medal yet, he would have thought twice about the relay too.

I have to say, this hasn't been a stellar display of American integrity. Even Michelle Kwan really, she never should have gone if she wasn't 100% in the first place. Although I do admire the way she withdrew.

[dsc]

11. but she didn't hurt anyone by going

since she only took a spot she created in the first place. I was sorry to see her have to withdraw. She never did get the gold she may well be the best female skater in the US not to have gotten a gold.

[sandnsea]

12. Not sure of that

She got special treatment and took Emily Hughes' spot. She was given that consideration because of who she is, the politics of sports. It would have been okay if she was 100%, but she wasn't and she likely knew she wasn't. Just hoped that she could pull it off. Not a big deal really, but any athlete is in a better position if they have the continuity of making the team, continuing training, etc. I'm sure it'll all work out in the end.

[FreedomAngel82]

9. Aw

Very sweet. :)