Reflecting on S.A.L.T.L.A.K through the Initials

Scandal – This Olympics had been abnormal from the beginning as 6 International Olympic Committee (IOC) members accepted bribery from the organizing committee in the process of attraction, and noises did not cease throughout the events. Decision dispute in Figure Skating’s Pair conceived two gold medallists, and Korea’s Kim Dong-Sung was robbed of the gold medal in the men’s Short Track 1000m event. Also, two Cross-country gold medallists were deprived of their medals on the day of the closing ceremony, due to illegal drug use.

Athlete – Ammann Simon (Switzerland), who has never won an international championship title in Ski Jumping, stirred the world by sweeping through `K-120` and `K-90` events, and in ladies Figure Skating singles, unnoticed Sarah Hughes (U.S.A.) became the `queen`. Ole Einar Bjoerndalen (Norway) had the honor of winning 4 titles in Biathlon, and `ski queen` Janica Kostelic (Croatia) won medals in every event of Alpine Skiing (3 gold, 1 silver) for the first time in history.

Luck – Steven Bradbury (29, Australia) was the `luckiest man`. In the Short Track 1000m finals, he passed the finish line first at ease, as all other 4 competitors in front of him slipped on the ice. Australia even made a commemoration stamp to celebrate the first gold medal in the history of Winter Olympics.

Technique – After having to be content with 1 silver and 1 bronze in 1998 Nagano Olympics’ Speed Skating, U.S.A.’s hidden card this time was equipments. The U.S. speed skaters wore National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s special skate blades and Nike’s special high-tech outfit to claim the amazing results of 4 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze.

Loser – Jacques Rogge, who succeeded Samaranch as the new IOC president, failed to gain popularity as his first Olympics was led into a `mess`. Apolo Anton Ohno (U.S.A.) faked referee’s eyes to win the gold medal through his `Hollywood action`. United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the U.S. press spoiled the global festival by emphasizing only on the exclusivist patriotism.

Altitude – This Olympics were held at 1350 meter- high Salt Lake city, and the high altitude greatly affected the athletes. Especially, new world records were set in as many as 8 out of 10 detail events of Long Track Speed Skating at Olympic Oval stadium.

Kwan – World’s top figure skater, Michelle Kwan (22, U.S.A), has won 4 international championship titles and 6 U.S. national championship titles. However, she failed to win an Olympic gold medal this time also, as the saying goes, `Heaven decides Olympic gold medals`. In 1998 Nagano Olympics, it was Lipinski, and this time was Sarah Hughes, who pushed her away. For both times, she finished the Short Program as the top, but lost to her U.S. colleagues in Free Skating.

Elite – Olympics are no longer accepting the phrase, `it’s the participation that matters`. IOC chairman Jacques Rogge is planning to make Olympics only for best quality athletes. The hypertrophied Olympic will decrease its scale, schedule, and participants, and no more `proud tail-enders` may be seen.

ssoo@donga.com