The Meaning Of These Games: U.S. Makes Us Proud With Unforeseen Glory

I must confess gushing over excitement the U.S. Olympic stars engendered is captivating and honorable. The well-deserving praise is seen globally, bracing the particular U.S. stars that represented our nation with dignity, zealous of competing on such a prestigious platform. Wasn’t Canada supposed to own the podium, vowing to win the most gold?

What a surprise seeing the Americans conquer the unforeseen in a monumental sequence of conquests, becoming a replica on a day the U.S. amassed a total of six medals. In the homeland of Canada, the United States were on a mission and imprinted a wonderful journey tormenting the Canadians.

It’s frustrating and disappointing after spending $117 million the last five years to upgrade the medal count, having pride in trusting that owning the world-class games was logic. Therefore, the neighbors residing on the south of the border aren’t a mirage, but an incredible theme of the 2010 Winter Games.

In the last two weeks, the United States have defied logic, pulverizing the Canadians and rising on the podium to accept medals amid a ceremony when the well-deserving flag and country’s national anthem is heard. From gold, to silver, to bronze, the Americans have inherited superb applause pleasing a sporting nation with true passion of embracing the charming images of sports.

Badly needed were American icons, to strengthen the notion of the Winter Games. And because of the sterling performance of Lindsey Vonn, Shaun White, Bode Miller, Apolo Ohno, Shani Davis, Evan Lysacek, and the men’s hockey team’s latest version of the Miracle on Ice, the U.S. has popularized and uplifted an ailing every-four-year event.

For the longest, no one cared of the Winter Games, but was more interested in counting down to the Summer Games, where in recent memory the Americans are more solid. The masses were careless and clueless of our cultures talent, unsure whether we could entice a massive audience. Since our athletes consist of a strong-range of star power, we are fascinated with their performance earning the nod over all countries competing.

Our nation has excelled all temptations, taking control with its impressive adrenaline as the world persists in watching the world’s greatest athletes compete. There hasn’t been much to celebrate since the 1932 Games at Lake Placid, when the U.S. garnered the most medals at the Winter Games. But as sports continue to expand globally, the U.S. retains the leverage. The games are coming to a closure gradually, in which a close race with Germany is probably the only country putting fear in the hearts of average Americans.

The U.S. had us fooled. Believe in America after proving to an entire continent of its invaluable sporting icons, winning seven gold medals, nine silver, 10 bronze, and 26 totaled. With five days remaining the U.S. is on pace to surmount pass a total of 34 medals, a record the U.S. endured at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Of late, the Olympics stirred up a minor controversy, regarding the medal count. For a long time, the games have expressed political discussions, a conspiracy tattering the meaning of the Olympics.

To all the prejudice and skeptics out to destroy the games, the U.S. constituted an inspirational tale uplifting from the darken crisis of letdowns and hideous stains that left faulty memories. The entire nation is proud of our athletes, capping supremacy and regenerating a magnificent brand name in foreign territory. The average citizen will remember the games as the most triumphant moment in American history.

Of all the star power, the U.S. made us proud erasing all the poor images. We never cared or spent ample time watching the Winter Games, simply for the failures athletes had illustrated in the prior games, especially in the Turin Games where the stars were limited and reduced. There were a multitude of fallen stars and icons we tried believing in, groomed to compete at such a high level, but their lackluster performance and disastrous meltdowns inhibited gratification.

Television ratings are at an all-time high, intrigued to watch the never-before-seen tricks of White, who defied gravity by performing ridiculous flips on a snowboard. Around the nation, children are accustomed to witnessing him polish in the Winter X Games, an action-packed scene catching children’s curiosity and influencing them to attempt a daring challenge on snowboards. Praise the U.S. Olympic Committee, too. All eyes were set on these games, in which investing $58 million over four years was worth it.

By producing large profit, it turns out, the committee earns more bang for its buck whenever athletes inherits a medal. Even the channel, NBC is earning huge bang for its buck, turning on more viewers by virtue of the Americans’ triumph. The millions of athletes were underestimated, based on the prior history. Sure enough, everyone had forgotten that Vonn is the greatest U.S. women’s Alpine skier, everyone had ignored Seth Wescott in the snowboard cross event, and everyone had doubt in the U.S. hockey team.

Maybe the cohesive team was ignored because of its unpopularity within the sport. Given that the sport originated in Canada, most athletes are groomed to dominate in a cultural sport that symbolizes the brand of the country. The Canadians had the nod, but the U.S. exemplified that the sport is played and viewed from a global standpoint and stunned the Canadians in a 5-3 win. But there was no one more impressive than Lysacek, the U.S. men’s figuring skater. He performed with much artistry, balance and elegance, to unexpectedly obtain the unforeseen purging afterthoughts that has undermined men’s figuring skating. He won gold, slicing over Russia’s former gold-medalist Evgeni Plushenko.

While the Canadians point fingers, the Russian’s stare in despair, the American’s are celebrating and proud of capturing medals. Getting beat at home, where the British Columbia residences were coveted of Team Canada protecting its homeland, the Canadians still have a shot at redemption after surviving in a play-in game Tuesday night against Germany. However, they may find themselves eliminated with a loss against Russia tonight. Whether we are interested or not, most will probably watch to await the newborn rivalry of Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. Otherwise there’s nothing to see.

Oh, I almost forgot. There’s much to see.

We’re still watching the U.S. make our nation proud. Believing in red, white, and blue seems surreal, but it’s happening before our very eyes.

All Eyes on Apolo Ohno for Decorating the Winter Games

We’ve seen the finest and most laidback speed skater become one of the most popular world-class athletes. For Apolo Anton Ohno, he’s the magnet of the Winter Games, catching our attention as a short-track skater.

However, this nonchalant, stylish bandanna-wearing athlete is a humble-minded sporting icon. The patriotic masses of America are cheering on Ohno, enduring and believing he’ll excel and secure Olympic medals.

He’s proclaimed as the gracious and gnarly 27-year old veteran, a predominant hero of the U.S.Olympics.

When he won a silver medal in the 1,500 meters after taking advantage of two South Koreans late gaffes to cost them a potential sweep on Saturday night, he justified incremental stature.

After literally suffocating years ago at the Winter Games, winning the sixth medal of his career in the last winter Olympics solidified Ohno as one of the most decorated athletes of U.S. winter athletes.

To be considered a world-class athlete and not just an entertainer, Ohno had to renew optimism in a cultural standpoint that mandated perseverance and resiliency.

Ohno is on pace to capture potentially three medals in Vancouver, with two individual races and a relay event remaining.

Thank goodness the sensational perfectionist on skates and ice found his swagger. Among all things, he has engaged us by putting a smile on the faces of Olympics fans, still living with the tragic death of a 21-year old luger from the Republic of Georgia.

His presence alone reminds us of having a peace-maker within a chaotic workplace, where no one is willful in parting ways.

Four years ago, he battled hamstring and ankle injuries all while winning two medals at the Turin Games. But at the Vancouver Games, he’s pursuing at least a couple gold medals.


Maybe he will be renamed the Golden One...

As an amateur athlete, Ohno arouse supporters and merit applause, heavily adored for the talented style he performs while speed skating.

If someone is lucky to come close in replicating his style, he sticks to the basic techniques. His endurance and athleticism erect an uncommon pattern that most short-track speed skaters are luckless in adopting.

Ohno begins a race slowly and tags along in the rear before finally breaking through to restore a convincing lead. The welfare of starring on Dance With The Stars may have polished his nifty mechanics, benefiting any time he appears on ice.

Or it may have been his devotion during the teenage years, raised by a single father who’s still supportive of his son.

Girls are attracted to sporting figures, but even more so to Ohno. It seems the kid is hip and sexy enough to make them scream and cheer. Ohno has a certain sex appeal to fans that often overshadow his achievements.

Although he’s aging and competes against younger competitors, he’s in the prime of his career, well-experienced and balanced. Had he not eaten healthier or committed to diets, it would be difficult leveling out against youth.

Eight years ago, in Salt Lake City, he blossomed as an Olympian, but now he is one of the greatest American icons.

As long as he enriches for the betterment and continues to challenge the mind and body both mentally and physically, Ohno will always be known as America’s icon, America’s hero.

Right now, though, he’s the prominent Olympian representing red, white and blue.

Apolo Ohno Is No Fluke, No Joke: His Turnaround Reveals Feel-Good Story

In any other context, Apolo Anton Ohno is a rare talent.

He’s the perfectionist in a sport that comes with much durability and technique, a matchless attribute separating him from a typical speed skater.


As if he’s an ordinary specimen sustaining joy once again at the Winter Games, Ohno adds to a remarkable legacy and has met the agenda in an every four-year event.

Two days removed from the horrific death of luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, a reckless tragedy that pierced our hearts and slaughtered the principle of the 2010 Winter Games, Ohno endures a rapturous scene as the most decorated speed skater in ages.

Incredibly, he’s the most enthralling winner, capturing a medal in the uttermost compelling event. It’s a soothing turn-of-events in the games thus far, refreshing memories of what the Winter Games truly represents akin to the stylish and talented skating managed efficiently by the six-time medalist.

Yet, he gazes at Olympic gold with history repeating itself, meaning he’s America’s true hero.

This is especially true if Lindsey Vonn’s shin isn’t healed in time for her Alpine events, or if America’s hockey team is unable to pull off the 2010 version of Miracle on Ice, or if Lindsey Jacobellus clumsily falls before advancing past the finish line in her snowboarding events.

In British Columbia, the forecast calls for light rain, but instead snow is badly needed in order to contribute in the skiing events. Quite simply, it’s outlandish this time of year to witness rain in the forecast, particularly with Vancouver hosting the Games.

Lack of cold weather is an issue, but fortunately the warmer climate isn’t a problem regarding short-track speed skating.


Among patriotic citizens, most of them were hopefully cheering on Ohno. He’s a world-class athlete and engenders humankind. Consider it all a way for us to become obsessed with cultural standpoints of speed skating and the creative techniques of a sport that mandates endurance and perseverance, a primary agenda for strength in the lower body and cardio-system.

For the average American, we should remember that most U.S. athletes were introduced and groomed at an early age, which works in favor of Ohno, who caught our attention by holding up all five of the gold-tipped fingers on his left hand.

Seconds later, he tucked the American flag in his arm, proud and ecstatic of adding to his historic collection a sixth medal (silver) in the 1,500-meter final Saturday night.

The top-notch star of short-track embraced the moment, smiling happily, and bear-hugged and lifted his U.S. teammate J.R. Celski, the 19-year old skater who finished third, winning the bronze.

“I just feel so blessed to be here, healthy, competing,” Ohno said. “It feels like home soil to me. We just have so much support in the crowd.”

What it means to win is indescribable, and Ohno will be remembered as one of the greatest short-track skaters of all-time.

The latest win is historic and ties Bonnie Blair for most medals won by a U.S. Winter Olympian.

Had he won a gold medal, Ohno would’ve been overjoyed, but he’s humbled finishing as runner-up.

Normally, Olympians are distraught and unsatisfied whenever they finish as runner-up, but he’s a gracious athlete entertaining partial applause.

Not as hyped as prolific U.S. snowboarder Shaun White or embattled skier Bode Miller, Ohno is a matchless talent on the ice, scorching on the slippery and frozen surface by following his usual routine.

First he paces himself and very seldom starts off with the lead, but takes over near the final lap to cap an inexplicable win.

Frankly, he’s the spotlight and the front-page headline, while the rest wait until their events are underway. There’s much uncertainty as to whether they’ll perform near their potential.

As of now, we are witnessing a one-of-a-kind sequence started by a dominant short-track speed skater from the suburbs of Seattle, where he adapted to life and was raised by a single father, growing up motherless. Ever since stepping into four-wheel skates, unlike the rollerblades kids tend to strap on nowadays, Ohno has been fond of skating and drew deep interest as a child.

As years progressed, he advanced greatly and now possesses a medal in every color, passing Eric Heiden as the most decorated American male at the Winter Games.

Setting a mark for most track medals since the wild-and-wooly sport joined the Olympic Games in 1992 is huge, representing the U.S. where some of the deepest athletes are pinpointed.

With three more events left at the Vancouver Games (two individual races and the relay), Ohno could be on pace to prevail with an abundance of wins and pass Blair.

Favored to cap all events, he ruined wishes of Canadian sensation Charles Hamelin in the semifinals of his first race with an undaunted move inside. Because he’s fearless, Ohno had no regrets or sensitivity as bitter, red-clad fans crowded the Pacific Coliseum, angry about the results.

“I’ve come prepared, more than I’ve ever prepared for anything in my life,” Ohno said. “I’m in a very, very good place. Obviously, I know I have six medals now and I have no regrets about this entire Olympic Games experience. This is going to stay with me for the rest of my life.”

If you didn't know, he made his Olympic debut 18 years ago. Some are convinced he was quicker and more vibrant then, but there’s not much of a difference.

In fact, he’s more experienced and well-balanced, including an attentive mentally.

Oh yes, he’s in his prime. Those are additives that could be favorable in the upcoming events.

He won his first medal in Salt Lake City where he embodied a newfound sport and eminence. In the 1,000m race at those Games, he crashed on the final turn as did several other skaters. Australia’s Steven Bradbury lasted and won the gold medal to finalize the biggest upset. If there was something positive about the run, Ohno finished second to win silver.

“Pretty intense,” Ohno said. “This is what this sport is all about.”

After all, his is a wonderful story, perhaps the most wonderful story in these Winter Games. Happily, the story is about Ohno, a premier short-track speed skater taking the much-needed limelight.