By Robert H. Kelly
Copyright 2010 TexSport Publications
PASADENA, TEXAS (February 20, 2010) When an athlete achieves the pinnacle of sporting achievement, an Olympic gold medal, they are awarded their medal on the victory platform, followed by the playing of their country’s nation anthem.
On Saturday, British athlete Amy Williams won the women’s skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Center outside Vancouver, Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Williams stunned the crowd, winning the gold medal over the heavily favored Germans, with a four-run total of 3 minutes, 35.64 seconds.
When the medal ceremony was televised, Williams received her medal and stood at attention while “God Save The Queen” was played. She sang along with the anthem and showed the proper and formal decorum that such a ceremony demands.
It was refreshing to see an athlete show the proper demeanor while she and her country were being recognized and honored.
A quick review of other gold medalists at the Games was in stark contrast to Williams’ decorum.
Take Shaun White’s behavior during the playing of the national anthem of the United States for his victory in the halfpipe. While standing on the podium, White’s hand and arm were holding a bouquet of flowers in front of his body, which I could consider an attempt to place his and over his heart.
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