The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics has been the best for children to watch in search of role models. No matter the delegation or the sport, the 2010 Winter Olympians have been nothing short of inspiring and outstanding.
In figure skating, 16 year-old American Olympian, Mirai Nagasu skated in her very first Olympics. Despite going last in the long program, right before the medal ceremony, she placed fourth. On an opposing team, Canada’s Joannie Rochette took to the ice to skate just days after her mother passed away. Her bravery and courage touched the hearts of people around the world, and her focus paid off. Joannie ended up placing third and winning a bronze medal, which she dedicated to her late mother. Joannie did interviews and spoke out, saying, “My mother wouldn’t have wanted me to give up.”
In Alpine skiing, American Lindsey Vonn headed into the competition as a clear favorite to win. However, after a skiing accident broke her leg, she was put on bed rest for two weeks. Many media outlets speculated that she would not recover in time to compete in the Olympics. Unafraid, Lindsey skipped the Opening Ceremonies to rest and recover in order to make it in time to her first event – in which she won gold.
American snowboarder, Shaun White, began skateboarding at the young age of six. He greatly admired skateboarder, Tony Hawk, who became his close friend and mentor. At a young age, Shaun began entering snowboarding competitions, trying to become the best in the world. However, it wasn’t until he shifted his attention to snowboarding that he gained international acclaim. Now, Shaun is one of the wealthiest athletes in the United States, as well as one of the youngest! After four years of hard work and practicing, Shaun won yet another Olympic gold at the Vancouver Winter games.
Perhaps the most inspiring story of all was that of American speed skater, Apolo Anton Ohno. Apolo grew up as an only child, brought up by his father and ignored by the mother he had never known. In order to practice speed skating as a young boy, his father had to drive from Washington into Vancouver, which provided young Apolo with the ice facilities that he needed to practice. Apolo learned how to speed skate in Vancouver, and Vancouver was where he competed in what is speculated to be his last Olympics. In many of his races, Apolo ended up at the back of the pack right off the starting line. However, he always seemed to focus and work his way to the front of the crowd to end up placing third, second, or first – all of which ended in him becoming the most decorated Winter Olympian in American history. All together, Apolo has 8 Olympic Winter medals. To think this was from a boy who didn’t even have an appropriate skating rink in his home state!
Thus, children can learn a lot about perseverance, hard work, and dedication by watching the Olympians of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Tags: 2010 vancouver winter olympics, 2010 winter olympics, ice skating, skiing, snow boarding, Sport, winter, winter olympians
