Athletes work for years perfecting their craft to compete at the Winter Olympics. The hard work and effort is rewarded with a chance at gold, but if that’s out of reach at least you will always have your name and time/score showing you were there. Unless you’re Korean Jun-Ho Hwang.
Cross Country skiing boasts the saddest finish of Sochi
If you’re not first, you’re last -- and if you’re last you still deserve a time, darn it.
Richard Heathcote
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
When you finish in the top three your name is in lights. A medal and podium, lightbulbs flashing -- you even get a special spot on the Sochi website with your headshot for all to see.
If you finish last (specifically after being lapped) this is your sad reward.
YOU DON’T EVEN GET AN OFFICIAL TIME!
Please dear readers, don’t let the 41:22.6 fool you, that’s just the time prior to the pit stop. There’s still the “free” portion to be added in order to get a total picture. Poor Jun-Ho Hwang didn’t get a time. No way to know if it was a personal best, no chance to say “Hey, I was there.” Hwang didn’t even get simply receive a “DNF.”
YOU WERE LAPPED, SIR. NOW THE WORLD KNOWS IT
Make no mistake, this isn’t a regular thing. Hwang was the only skier lapped on Sunday. We checked the Olympic charter, there’s nothing about open and public mockery. It’s a shame really, because poor Jun-Ho deserves better. The man skied across Russia for 30 km, he should be recognized. You’re telling us someone couldn’t have stood there an extra few minutes to record his time?
We salute you Jun-Ho Hwang. You were there. It’s more than any of us can ever say and darn it you did it, lapped or not. This is your time in the sun.
(Photo via Sochi2014.com)
See More:
